I know it’s only been a day since the solstice, but I can’t be the only one who’s grateful that the daylight hours will be getting longer.  I know I’m looking forward to the longer hours of sunshine and the added benefit of natural light in everything I do.

I’ve had a few things to help me get through the short daylight hours and the shortest day of the year, however.  Including a box of homemade treats from my dad and his wonderful partner, Paula.  I had a sampling of their treats after dinner last night:

The cookies in front are pignolis (pine nut cookies) and oh my they are so very yummy.  The pizzelle is made with black walnuts and oh soo good.  I’m not a huge fan of traditional anise flavored pizzelles, but these are treats sent straight from heaven.  Everything they sent is soo delish, both Jeff and I have been delighting in each thing we taste.

Reading and opening the cards, letters, and small packages from family and friends across the globe by lamplight has also been a great way to spend the short daylight hours.  Some gifts are still wrapped and sitting under the tree, of course, and we look forward to opening those on Friday morning. 

Just when I think I have every possible thing made, a dear friend sends me a frog something I didn’t have and my collection grows in wonderful and unexpected ways.

Despite enjoying this time of shorter daylight hours, I’m looking forward to the return of the sun and less artificial light.