...seen over my valley

After the shortest day faded into the not-quite-longest night, there was a powerful noise in the sky and this swarm appeared. At least one person has, upon seeing this image, offered that perhaps this is proof that we are in the Matrix, with the veil of virtuality drawn thin as the seasons cycle.

In any case, I hope this passage in our annual  journey from darkness to light finds you safe in the company of those you love, gazing at something in wonder. (Should there be cookies involved, so much the better.)

Speaking of cookies, I have to be a proud kitchenMage for just a moment. theKid spent a day recently baking twelve pounds of cookies to mail across the country to some kids who were going without any holiday treats this year. Twelve pounds! That's a lot of cookies...and a lot of work. It's nice to know that the cookie elves live. Nice job! applause   cheers