After the arrival of family, and the big snow, and the digging out, the gathering at the farm was dimished from its usual numbers. Without power, the house was lit by kerosine lanterns, candles, and the fireplace, and this felt very right for a solstice celebration. Musicians played old tunes in the sitting room (with the youngest kids adding percussion), while others nibbled on turkey (from the field next door) and stuffed grape leaves (from Turkey). Later, the cracks of overloaded trees echoed through the valley as the bonfire blazed high and bright through the night.

snow on the bonfire