Winter Solstice dawned with the promise of a white Christmas. Five inches of snow dropped overnight, with more predicted on Christmas Eve.

I relish the silence of the solstice as I shoveled out and wandered down to the mailbox. There’s lots to take in along our expansive drive.

The snow, heavy on the fir tree boughs, accentuates the beauty in nature’s patterns.

A slushy creek.

A frozen pond.

A disgruntled duck.

Mourning Doves, feathers puffed up against the cold.

A dapper Gidget in her festive scarf, Murphee has refused to pose for a pic.

So here’s to the winter solstice—a celebration of light and hope, a time to reflect and bask in the serene stillness of a snowy day.