The Reign Of Dark Days.

November has arrived. This month is feared and disliked by many Scandinavians, as it signifies the onset of the shortest days of the year. By now, our daylight has decreased by eight hours since the summer solstice and this loss of light is clearly palpable. Almost a whole day has been taken from us and we are still about three hours short of the absolute record which will occur in about two months.

I personally do not dislike November. It is a somewhat overlooked month I feel. To me these following thirty days equal a period of anticipation. There will be a certain joy in the air as the holiday season begins. The lack of light will very soon be compensated by the multitude of Christmas and decoration lights that will line the streets and illuminate the stores. The air will carry an atmosphere of happiness and laughter, despite the uninviting feel of stormy, very dark days, bare trees and lack of sunshine.

Below, yet again, my traditional birch tree update. You will notice the pile of wood in front of it is missing, as my handy Irishman cut it all up for me and it is now stored securely, drying up for next years fire wood.
The tree itself is now completely ready for its winter sleep. By each day, it looses more of its copper colored leaves and my guess is that it will stand completely bare before the end of this month.