HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE 2017 AND A GIVEAWAY

A phenomenon we're all happy about, especially here in the far-north parts of the world like Seattle, is the fact that the days will start getting longer now. At least a few things are still predictable and worthy of hope.

The weather report predicts snow (yeah, right - I'll believe it when I see it), but the sky does have that matte beige-grey look to it. More to the point, I'm on holiday from the university for another week, catching up on shipping packages from our winter sale, which runs through December 26, preparing for winter quarter teaching, updating my websites as best I can, and spending some time with family and friends.

The break also means that I've got time to sort through my possessions and get rid of things I don't use (yeah, right - I'll believe that when it happens). As a hopeful first step, I'm going to offer another 100 g package of miscellaneous perfume samples, to be awarded to the winner of a random drawing.

All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know that you're still alive and reading this blog. The drawing will take place on December 31. If no one claims the prize, it will go back into a jackpot that will increase every time there's an unclaimed prize.

[The photo is of a winter sunset, not a fire.]