Now is the solstice of the year,
winter is the glad song that you hear.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Have the lads up ready in a line.
Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.Join together beneath the mistletoe.
by the holy oak whereon it grows.
Seven druids dance in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.
Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.Praise be to the distant sister sun,
joyful as the silver planets run.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.
Ring out those bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells. Ring on, ring out. Ring on, ring out.Ring Solstice Bells – Ian Anderson
I believe in fires at midnight —
when the dogs have all been fed.
A golden toddy on the mantle —
a broken gun beneath the bed.
Silken mist outside the window.
Frogs and newts slip in the dark —
too much hurry ruins the body.
I’ll sit easy … fan the spark
kindled by the dying embers of another working day.
Go upstairs … take off your makeup —
fold your clothes neatly away.
Me, I’ll sit and write this love song
as I all too seldom do —
build a little fire this midnight.
It’s good to be back home with you.Fire at Midnight – Ian Anderson
Still no power. At least we have a glimmer of hope. Laura was able to find someone who would come out first thing tomorrow to do the electrical work. After that it all depends on when Duke Power can get back out. Did I mention that this is getting old? We’re now having second thoughts about our after-Christmas camping trip in Florida. Been there. Done that. Though, I would hate to miss the four-wheeling and kayaking.
We stopped at an Ingles for cat food on the way back from dinner. At the front of the store was a rent-a-cop, complete with sidearm. He looked like he took his job far too seriously, and worried me more than any potential thieves or low-lifes that might drop by. His presence brought me back several decades to another chain of grocery stores – Winn Dixie. At the front of each store in an elevated booth was an armed guard, complete with highly visible pump-action shotgun. By golly, no one was going to steal their milk and eggs. I would have hoped that we were past that.
And so, the longest night of the year is spent with no heat. At least they start getting shorter from here on out.