CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
The Isolation Blues;
reflections during covid-19
The last week of December is the darkest (and sometimes the coldest) time of the year here in the north woods. The stretch from Winter Solstice to New Years Day is the frozen low point of the solar calendar. At our place the daylight is dreadfully limited and the sun doesn’t get far above our tree line as it makes its way across the sky along its lowered route. (You tend to notice this sort of thing when you rely on solar panels for power.) And in a covid pandemic-stressed year such as this, the cumulative effect of that plus the extended cold and dark of year’s end makes for a damn psychological downer. Anything a person can do to add light, warmth and positive mind-set is strongly recommended this year. While Linda and I have curtailed many of our usual social and family gatherings during the holidays that doesn’t mean the events haven’t happened, it’s simply been on-line or virtual. We’re hopeful this will only be a one year interruption, but who knows at this point? For now, we are staying at home in the woods as much as possible, lighting lights, baking cookies, playing lots of Christmas music and hanging out around the tree. We do feel fortunate. With so much turmoil and unsettledness in the world right now, just having warm shelter and a full pantry of supplies is sufficient and blessed. No complaints here.
Linda and I were also able to upgrade our photo-voltaic system this year (long overdue) with additional panels, a new rack and switch out our tired battery bank with 8 new lead-acid Trojan T-105s. I’ve never seen someone as excited about a few extra solar panels and fresh batteries as Linda Rowe when we installed the new system! She is indeed the perfect woman for me. The two of us send our heart-felt Christmas greetings to you and those closest to you. This is a good year to slow down, re-calculate what’s important to us, reach out to those who are in need and spend time with those we love in our own covid-safe households. Our best to you all.
Merry Christmas!
In the woods,
Dave
December 22, 2020