Solstice and Storm

We passed the winter solstice about an hour and ten minutes ago, as I write this.  It is now officially winter in the northern hemisphere, and summer in the southern.  That means that it's balmy in New Zealand, while here in Michigan we are awaiting the arrival of Winter Storm Gemini... or Goodfellows... or Gawdawful — or whatever the Weather Channel has christened this system rolling in from the southwest.

This has been an interesting December.  We've already had several large snowfalls, including about a half-foot yesterday.  Now the good folks at NOAA predict that we will pick up 5-8 inches starting after midnight tonight and continuing through much of Sunday.  Assuming some "lake enhanced" activity, we could end up with another foot of snow.  I'm glad I'm not scheduled to be anywhere bright and early tomorrow morning.  I'll put on another long, pour another cup of coffee, and hole up.  And winter is hardly off the starting block!

The lighthouse at St. Joseph, Michigan,
decorated for the season.

I found the photo above at the Weather Channel, among their gallery of 2013's most interesting weather-related photographs.  Good viewing.  I commend it. •••