I dashed up to the allotment this afternoon while it was still fine. The weather forecast is promising us storms tomorrow so I thought I’d better get the Christmas parsnips dug up fast, and the Brussels sprouts and red cabbage gathered in. The ground was very water-logged and the plots looked dreary, and naturally there were no other mad gardeners around but me. But as the sun went down, just a fraction later after the shortest day, the light over the town was magical.
These photos were taken with lots of zoom, and in the next one the sky looks to be on fire.
All of which reminded me of an Albert Camus quote which I read on a writing blog earlier this week. It was so hope-inducing I thought I’d pass it on at the first opportunity. It’s especially apt for all you creative people out there, which would be every man Jack and Jill of you. More power to your making in 2017:
 In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
Albert Camus
Tish Farrell 
“Good sky you’ve got here McIntyre, well done” – Christmas quiz – name the film 🙂
Oh I know it, I know it! One of my/our all time favourites – Local Hero! Way-hay! You’ve put a big grin on my face, Robin.
Well done Tish! I watched it again a few years back (researching GITW) and it has stood the test of time, particularly the late, great Burt Lancaster.
Indeed, Burt was a true star. Have you seen him in The Leopard?
I haven’t but I should – I see it is only £5.99 on Amazon – it would make for a good alternative to The Great Escape 🙂
It’s quite a slow sort of film – no escaping thrills. I must watch it again myself.
Don’t know it….what’s the story in a few words, Tish?
1963 Visconti film set in 1860s Sicily – Lancaster plays head of a declining aristocratic family facing political change. Has some stunning visuals. And while I’m here, happy Christmas, Sue. Tx
Ah, il Gattopardo…Giuseppe Tomasi de Lampedusa….I’ve read the book (in English), a brilliant read, but never seen the film
Nice thought. Have a great Christmas.
And all best wishes to you, Claudette, and more power to your new business in 2017.
Love the quote, Tish. Thanks for posting it.
janet
Kudos to another fine post! Merry Christmas!
Hello Stephen. Here’s wishing you all the best for Christmas and 2017. Cheers!
That’s a superb quote. 🙂 Merry Christmas, Tish!
And to you, me dear. Take care and have a good one – you and yours!
Love the sky, and great quote. I think I had my invincible summer this year, but I would like another one!
You will!
Well, I aim to try! Have a great Christmas, Tish!
We both had the solstice sky in mind Tish! Have a very Happy Christmas 🙂
A very happy Christmas to you too, Gilly. Chin chin.
I love that “sky on fire” look. I’ve seen it at sunrise and sunset, but it never ceases to delight me. I read everything Camus wrote when I was in high school … and then reread them in French back when i could read French (not any more!). Lovely post.
That’s just it isn’t it. Never ceasing to be delighted by the ‘commonplace’ that is wonderful.
What a wonderful sky. It does look like it’s on fire! Merry merry Tish. Have wonderful Christmas.
Alison
Wishing you both all the festive best.
Same to you Tish. Merry merry.
Alison
AS you anticipate rain and bad weather, we in NZ will have a fine weather for Christmas Day. We have had some inclement weather recently,but things have improved. Hope you all in the north have a happy day.
All the best to you, Pete. Happy Christmas.
A beautifully wintry sky – winter solstice is one of my favourite days. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!
All best wishes to you too, Emma. Happy Christmas!
The photo is wonderful
Thank you 🙂
Loved the words and photos 🙂
Many thanks, Jules 🙂
A beautiful post, Tish. Hope you enjoyed Christmas and wishing you every happiness in 2017.
Cheers, John. We had a great time in Wales on Anglesey island. Wishing you all the very best for 2017.