Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice... sunrise is the latest in the morning, and sunset is the earliest in the afternoon.  Despite all of the "hype" the day still has 24 hours. I was up before the sun, not emerging for my coffee until 07:35. It was pouring with rain, much to Jasper's disgust. Once Diane pottered downstairs, I provided her with liquid sustenance, dressed, and prepared for my call with the cousins.

The call followed the usual pattern of laughter and banter before we all wished each other Happy Christmas and signed off. Zoe brought Ellie around as the call finished. She was clearly a lot more sparkly than she had been for the past few days. We ended up playing chess, bingo, and even Monopoly with her throughout the day.

I managed to get out for a walk. Diane needed her meds collecting from the local pharmacy. I plugged my book into my ears and headed out into the wilds. I had dressed in my head-to-toe waterproofs... only to find they were superfluous. The rain had stopped and despite the local forecast, did not start again. By the time I got home, I was beginning to overheat. My waterproofs are lined for icy weather and were too warm for today.

The afternoon has seen us cocooned in front of the TV. Ellie had played another game of chess against the computer and decided she had had enough for the day. I just hope she maintains and builds on this level of interest.

Stop Press! Ellie has just rushed in to show me that she has just beaten the computer. I checked it all and could confirm that she had achieved a very good checkmate.