One of the most beautiful nights of the year here is the winter solstice, a ritual Maria began five or six years ago. Winter is here.

It was a wonderful time outside, but I am too cold to write about it tonight. My fingers are still frozen, and I am still shivering. I’ll put up some photographs tomorrow morning.m Maria is making me some oat ban cereal.

I had a surprise guest. Zip climbed up into the pasture and circled my chair. He came out of nowhere, following me.

At first, he was afraid of the fire, but I picked him up, and he crawled up into my shoulder, and I held him for an hour.

He was quiet and purring and still for longer than I’ve ever seen him.

It was a powerful experience for me and perhaps for him. He settled down so peacefully in my arms that it was a new and beautiful level of connection. I never felt closer to him or him to me. I love this creature very much.

Got to go for tonight. Photos in the morning. My new camera did not disappoint.