Today marks the Winter Solstice, the turning point of the year, when we shiver and crouch over our carefully-tended fires, fearing the sun will be extinguished and all life will vanish from the earth. On the ridgeline, above the forest, the wolves howl in the dark, fur ruffled by the chill wind.

Tomorrow heralds the rebirth of a new time, the re-lighting of the sun, the lengthening days of sunlight, a hope for days of spring, a new greening. We won't feel the difference for a while yet; but the earth has definitely turned under our feet once again.

Today? Brrrrr!