The solstice occurred at 2:44 AM EST this year, according to the Naval Observatory's list. Winter weather came right on cue this morning as cold temperatures and sleet accompanied the rather gloomy skies. Later in the day, the sky cleared but the temperature remained in the 30s and the wind blew steadily. A bonus for the shortest day of the year was the coincidence of a full moon. A beautiful sunset ended the daylight hours while the moon ruled the night. An awesome moonset over the bay ended the longest night of the year. Although we are hurtling toward some weeks of winter weather, the days will steadily lengthen. Also, as a lifeguard told me once, "Three snowstorms and we'll be back on the beach."

Top row
       left: a rather gloomy start for the day
   center: the wind blew for most of the day
     right: it cleared up later, but the wind kept blowing
Second row
       left: remnants of a sleet storm adorn the deck of Baie-Chalet
   center: the sun setting way down the Bay
     right: sunset
Third row
       left: sunset
   center: sunset
     right: sunset
 Bottom row
       left: moonrise
   center: moonrise
     right: almost moonset