A Mist-Shrouded Yule

The mist settled in today. The snow has melted, and the light rain has been falling for two days now. The Valley is full of grey, like a teacup filled to the brim. It seems appropriate though, with the shortest day having arrived, that the sun wasn't admitted at all and the light of day was fairly short-lived.

It reminded me of the description Dickens gives of London on Christmas eve, in A Christmas Carol.

"The city clocks had only just gone three, but it was quite dark already, - it had not been light all day - and candles were flaring in the windows of neighbouring offices, like ruddy smears upon the palpable brown air. The fog came pouring in at every chink and keyhole, and was so dense without, that, although the court was of the narrowest, the houses opposite were merely phantoms."

I have no doubt, that if I had a keyhole in my door, the mist would have been pouring in here too.

Still, I have perservered today, even going for a walk this morning and watching the horses in the field by the river jumping around as though they knew the Sun was coming again.

I would like to stay up all night, with candles lit, waiting for the light. But I haven't been sleeping well and need the rest. So I'm off to do my Yule ritual, and then onward to bed, with a few pages of Dickens for good measure.

Thank you all for your well-wishes regarding the store. I am very excited, although there is so much to do. First, I must make it past Christmas. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't sent my cards out yet - perhaps tomorrow, and haven't wrapped a thing. A bit more shopping tomorrow and I may finally be done. I swear I will be more organized next year (which I'm sure is the same thing I said last year.)

Blessings of love, health, prosperity, and much joy to you all on this Yule night!