I am on my annual solstice countdown, but this year, I have a new twist....how early my chickens decide to 'coop down'. Today, they were all in their coop on their roosts by 4:12pm. It isn't totally dark but getting there.

I can't wait until we start getting more daylight again!

I didn't know that animals were such good indicators of these things. Thanks for sharing.

I recently heard that modern people have problems initiating and maintaining sleep due to the amount of post sunset light we subject ourselves to. Makes sense. Several generations ago, we would at best be reading by candlelight or oil lamps, now we have blazing lights, computer screens, and HDTV going after dark. How would we ever live now, with so little artificial light?? I suspect we would go to sleep much earlier??

I'm sleeping later now that the sun is coming up later, and dozing off sooner for the same reasons...sun going down.
Only thing outside my windows these days are that the ravens are going SOUTH! Plus two pairs of squirrells who are VERY active chasing each other up and down two very tall trees!
I want to be 'active' during the holidays, but the 'hibernation mode' instinct is in full gear. Won't feel right until mid January, when critters start shedding/moulting and I can readjust to the longer hours w/a lighter heart.
It's really not that far away!
I agree with the birds! Winter is for the birds! [Those who fly south especially]
Hugs to all. When's the next moon? 's!!!!! - j