Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The reason for the season

Today is the winter solstice. The point at which the northern hemisphere's tilt away from the sun reaches its extreme. Our shortest day of the year (and longest night). For the next six months, the tilt will gradually move back toward the sun, increasing the amount of daylight we get. Until the summer solstice. The Earth's tilt and its orientation to the sun through its year-long orbit are why we have seasons. Ain't science grand!

I recently received this terrific birthday greeting from my dear friends L&L in upstate New York.

It's also my birthday. Another reason to celebrate! And celebrate we will, with my traditional birthday dinner of steak au poivre (pepper steak) in a cognac cream sauce, served with frites (French fries). We'll start with an appetizer of escargots (snails) in the traditional garlic, butter, and parsley sauce, and finish with an apple tart, which I will get started on making early this morning.

20 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday to Walt.

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  2. Hippo Birdy Two Ewes
    Hippo Birdy Two Ewes
    Hippo Birdy Deer Walt
    Hippo Birdy Two Ewes

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  3. A very happy birthday to you. Nice to have a birthday on a significant date. While I suppose I could check the sunrise/sunset times at the weather bureau website, I do like the argument that reigns in Australia about whether the 21st or the 22nd is the longest day of the year here.

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  4. Happy Birthday! Thank goodness that the mornings are starting to get lighter now for the early morning dog walkers.

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  5. Happiest of birthdays, dear blogger buddy!
    Sean
    Www.Idleeyesandadormy.Com

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  6. happy birthday, dear! may all your wishes come true!

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  7. Happiest of days to you, birthday boy!

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  8. Happy Birthday, Walt! What a cool b'day card- black cats rule!

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  9. Happy Birthday! It sounds as if it will be a delicious one!

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  10. Happy Birthday Walt! I imagine you are having your birthday tart about now...it looks fabulous!

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  11. Have a wonderful birthday! We think of you both very often. --Chris and Tony

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  12. One of the best days of year Walt. Now the days get longer!

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  13. I hope this birthday is your best one yet!

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  14. A perfect day for a birthday, brightening everybody's future! Have a happy one!

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  15. Thanks to everyone for the warm wishes!

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