Winter in California would not necessarily be called winter any place else. There is some rain (except when the atmosphere wants to become a river and then it just keeps raining). There is the occasional snowfall, unless you are in the mountains somewhere where that happens a lot.

The temperatures near the Pacific Coast occasionally require what others would call a ‘spring’ coat.

It’s pretty mild around here most of the time.

The internal workings of the household have not been so gentle this winter. A cold, a little bronchitis, a touch of the flu and that occasional rain have kept everyone at home, feeling lousy and a bit grumpy.

But Solstic gave us a message. An old one. And a good one.

The rising of the sun in the East lighting the cloudy skies of the west. And reminding us that just stepping out of your front door can bring anything.

Remember Lord of the Rings?

“Sam: This is it.
Frodo: This is what?
Sam: If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.
Frodo: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

It is possible to be swept up in awe. Just outside your front door.