January Skies

Tuesday morning this week, I pulled back the bedroom curtains to a stunning sky ..

in the east the most colourful sunrise you could ever imagine full orange and peach, lilac and purples turning pink and lighting up the sea to the south on the skyline..

then directly opposite in the west a beautiful white disc full moon sitting snugly on top of the early morning houses in a picture postcard blue sky.

I grabbed these snaps on my mobile phone whilst leaning out the bedroom window, but they don't really come anything close to capturing the colours.

So wonderful to see both the sun and the moon both in their full glory in the sky at once. Happy New Year to you all and wishing everyone clear skies and plain sailing in 2012!

Summer Solstice

Today is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere .. the longest day. The day when the sun which warms and energises us reaches its finest hour in our part of the world. Many cultures have revered the sun, often as a powerful 'Father' figure.. and it feels appropriate that we celebrated Fathers' Day last Sunday, in the same week. And many religions have some kind of festivity or celebration around this time towards the end of June.

I am in the habit of having a little barbecue in the roof garden one evening around the time of the longest day, and hope (weather permitting!) I might be able to do this over the weekend. Usually a very simple affair using one of those little disposable barbecue trays. I just enjoy being able to sit and eat outside in the evening, and stay for a while enjoying the light and warmth. Its a great opportunity to appreciate the garden in its full flower and be grateful for the sun's energy which brought it all to life.



Astronomical explanation of the summer solstice

Twenty facts you didn't know about the summer solstice