harald johnson

author, creator, mighty fine swimmer

equinox

Hygge Highlights

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me and Birgit
Me and Birgit sharing a bit of Hygge at the pool recently. (photo by Rob Gutkowski)
Hygge? It’s a Danish word (pronounced “hoo-gah”) that integrates a feeling of well-being, contentment, and coziness through simple and everyday experiences. About creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying good things with good people.

In my case, it’s not only sitting by a crackling fire and sipping wine, but more. Like these things that led up to today’s Autumnal Equinox . . .

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Embrace the Light!

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Bradford pear trees
A line of Bradford pears just down the road.
It’s the Vernal Equinox. Halfway between the two solstices. And around here, we’re seeing strong signs of spring. The daffodils have been up for a while, but the Bradford pears, the forsythias, and the cherry trees are peaking with the maples ready to pop.

This is a wonderful time of year in central Virginia when the days are longer and the air is finally warmer. Time to really enjoy the outdoors. Time to embrace the light, both literally and metaphorically.

Some recent developments . . .

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Winding Down

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UW walking
What’s going on here? To find out, keep reading. Photo: Rob Gutkowski
The Autumnal Equinox is today, and as usual, it marks a seasonal shift in several realms for me.

First, of course, there’s the weather. Cooler, less humid, crisper. And much shorter days as we’re halfway to the winter solstice.

It’s also a kind of winding down. Of a season. Of the year. Maybe even more. Here are some winding down highlights with some things in opposition happening at the same time . . .

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The Shift

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Autumnal Equinox image
Today is the Autumnal Equinox.
The shift has started. It occurred right after Labor Day in my part of the U.S. Like it always does. Like the weather gods know the Gregorian calendar.

The sun comes out and stays out. The stickiness of summer is over because the dew point is lower. Instead of all the heat and humidity pressing in from all sides, the air feels crisp and fresh. At least where I am in Central Virginia.

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