The sun returned to me, this morning (I take the sun personally) after a two-week hiatus marked by snow, cold, sleet, fog and rain. I love my farm, I love my life, but I will admit the first weeks of winter are a challenge, spiritually and emotionally. We need color and light in our lives, perhaps the purpose of winter is to remind us of that. These are the short days, the dark days, the transitional days. On weekends, Maria and I both try to give each other some rest, whoever gets up first sneaks out in their nightshirts and pajamas to feed the animals – they can’t wait while we sleep late – and give the other a chance to sleep.

Maria went out in her nightshirt – it was 8 degrees – and I got up and went out to help here and take this photo. For me, the image celebrates the return of the sun, it celebrates my wonderful wife, friend, lover and partner. I cannot image life without her on this farm, or anywhere else. Sunday, the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. On Monday, the day start to get longer again, and that is a beautiful thing, the return of the light.