Sunset comes early to the mountain this time of year. I’m fortunate I’m not one of those people who becomes depressed during the short winter days because living up here, in the shadow of the Blueridge, certainly doesn’t afford extra daylight. Tonight, as I watched the shadow grow across the valley, I was grateful that this would be the shortest day of the year and from now on, we’d see more sunlight each day.

Although I enjoy skiing, I’m not a fan of winter. I’m always cold. But knowing that the lovely, toasty days of summer are on the way makes me happy. I look out over the valley to the Shenandoah River and know that it won’t be long before once again I’ll see rafters floating down river and skiing will be a distant memory. In the meantime, though, I’ll just wear another layer and sit a bit closer to the fire.