Short Stuff

Friday, November 03, 2023

On Sunday, we will lose an hour. Thus, daylight’s slight dawning. now visible at 7 a.m., on Sunday will become visible earlier, at 6 a.m. The morning loss of an hour will shorten the evening’s daylight. It just goes on. By mid-December, here in Central Oregon, darkness will happen around 4:30 p.m.

I’m just saying, of course, for we’re all aware. I am ahead of the change preparing for its impact. With horses to feed, In December, I’ll be caring for them in the darkest afternoons. Our manufactured early shutdowns of winter’s natural light are discomforting.

When darkness is at 4:30, I will start refocusing much as I am now. I’ll be preparing for a light-extending that’ll be about to occur. In winter’s deepest dark days, the daylights will start to increase, just in tiny increments–mere moments daily–stretching the light. By mid-January, we will be aware of a natural light/darkness ratio that feels more balanced.

The annual time changes altering natural lighting are hard on humans. We must plan ahead to absorb them. I am anticipating (1) grumbling my way through Sunday’s hour-drop; (2) surviving the deep winter’s depressing darkness; and (2) celebrating when the daylights start to lengthen.

Dear Friends: This weekend’s shortened night will make us all grumble. Diana