The light that dies in our western sky tonight is already dawning on a New Year in the east.

I bid good-bye to 2008 with mixed feelings. Our lives have gone through changes this past year and in the larger world, turmoil and challenges have gathered like storm clouds. But we also found resolve in 2008 and can face the New Year with hope.

I wish for us all a happier year to come.

For tonight is New Years Eve,
Uncork your spirits and welcome it in
Who knows what it's got up its sleeve
Can't wait for it all to begin...
--Laughing Into 1939
Al Stewart

Sunset

From the usual spot at the top of Baycrest Hill...



Sunset and a fishing vessel on lower Cook Inlet...



There are a couple more over at A Quiet Life.

Five in the Evening

Click image for full-sized view...

According to the almanac, the sun set at four this afternoon. One hour later, I was at the scenic pull-out at the top of Baycrest Hill and took this picture of sunset, the sea and Venus.

Subarctic Sunday

The weather has been mostly clear and cold since Thursday.

Despite the clear skies and bright days, I am aware of just how short the hours of daylight have become, as we close upon the Solstice.



At nine am, the sun is just beginning to brighten the southeast horizon.



Not that the sun will get much above the horizon. At high noon, it is Still caught in the trees in the south.

By four-twenty in the afternoon, the day is just a glow in the southwest...

On the Road to Anchorage

Some photos from our trip to Anchorage and back on Wednesday...



First light on the Seward Highway north-bound.



The next three photos were taken at the rest stop on Canyon Creek near the Hope Junction.




More at A Quiet Life

A Short, Cloudy December Day

This picture was taken about ten-fifteen this morning. The clouds still carried the tints of sunrise.

Six hours later, the overcast retained only the last shades of pink and purple sunset.



It was a day of occasional rain showers, water dripping on ice, the slow trickles of cold rain down the windows.

I'm ready for a white Christmas.