Holiday Season 2025 - The Solstice and Cigar Time

Monday, December 22, 2025

Took Calvin to the Mall of America this morning for more shopping. He found a few more things for his collections. He wanted to go to Wendy's for lunch so we picked Mom up around 11:30 and took him there. Afterward we took in to the Mall of America for more shopping and to kill a little time before his flight. Cigar after dropping Calvin at the airport. Photo taken about 5:00 pm. Sun had set about 4:40. Shortest day of the year. Looking forward to longer days. I've heard by the end of January we'll have gained about two extra hours a day. Happy solstice.

Holiday Season 2023 - 4 Days to Go

 Thursday, December 21, 2023

Countdown to Christmas - 4 Days

Today is the Winter Solstice.

I set the angels out today. 

Mom and I went to the American Swedish Institute to see the holiday displays. 

We checked out the display of Himmeli. Shown above are a couple examples. Himmeli predate the Christmas tree and they were traditionally suspended in a dining or living space during the Winter Solstice. They remained in place until the summer months to help ensure a good harvest. 

Mom got to sit in the Snow Queen chair. 

Mom got some ornaments in the gift shop. I got this kick ass PINK dala horse. Who knew they came in pink?

Dale and I went to Creekside Supper Club for dinner. It was delicious. Dale had the chicken breast and I had the fish fry with walleye. I had a Grasshhopper for dessert. 

Holiday Season 2021 - Winter Solstice

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Got the tree up and the lights on just in time for the solstice. 

Sylvester seems quite curious about it. Although he recently turned two years old this is actually Sylvester's 3rd Christmas. According to Dale, John didn't have a tree last year. John got Sylvester from a shelter in September of 2020 so who knows what his 1st Christmas was like. It's possible this is the first Christmas tree Sylvester has encountered. 

We'll just see how this plays out. 

Holiday Season 2019 - Red Lights, 4 Days, and the Solstice

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Got the red lights on the tree. Didn't get to decorating it like I had planned. 

Oh yeah, and today's the solstice.

Holiday Season 2018 - The Solstice

Friday, December 21, 2018

The solstice occurred today at 4:23 p.m. Mike texted me a picture as I was taking a screenshot of the time. 

It was of a retro pin-up picture done by a pin-up artist popular in the 1940s & 1950s named Peter Driben. The red and green garments have to be a nod to December. 

Mike also texted me a picture of Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen from White Christmas. I forgot a copy of the movie over at his place the last time I was there. We didn't get a chance to watch it. I'm hoping he's saving it to watch with me...

Holiday Season 2015 - Solstice

Monday, December 21, 2015

Dale made it back safely! Relaxed evening of cocktails and Christmas music (Frank Sinatra) to allow us to catch up. It turns out John is recovering nicely and really appreciated Dale coming out to visit.  We had turkey noodle hot dish for dinner and watched Bye Bye Birdie. Very pleasant longest night of the year.