Solstice

from the weather page

Hurray - the days will start getting longer now, but the sun isn't melting the snow and the city is running out of ice for the bike paths.  It has been challenging, but our bike handling skills are improving.

The bike path is in the center with the plow tracks, to the right is the sidewalk, which some cyclists have started using because they are in better shape than the paths.

Although today was the darkest day, the sun was shining on the white snow and people seemed cheery as they did their shopping.

Do you see the clothing in the lower left corner of the photo?  The stores have their clothing out all the time and when it rains or snows they put little plastic covers over it.  I understand that, but people stand around smoking and looking at clothing, which strikes me as bad for business.