Posted: Thursday, December 21, 2006 12:00 am
DAN HAYES
Columnist
KINGS VALLEY - As I prepare this column, I look out my window and see the land coated in a frost highlighting the wintery season we are entering. Yes, it is now officially winter!
According to the almanac, effective 4:22 p.m. Pacific Standard Time today, Winter Solstice occurred with 24 hours of daylight south of the Antarctic Circle and 24 hours of darkness north of the Arctic Circle and the sun's rays directly overhead of the Tropic of Capricorn.
For you etymologists out there, the word "solstice" comes from Latin "solstitium," from sol, "sun," and stitium, "a stoppage."
All I can say is that it sure gets dark early in the evening and stays dark late into the morning. It is remarkable how just a few minutes a day can make a difference, and while I enjoy seeing the twinkling Christmas lights brightening up the darkness, I look forward to the lengthening daylight (which thankfully begins immediately).
Our recent storm was a not-so-subtle reminder how easy it is to take the little things for granted. With candles providing minimal lighting and the propane camp stove for cooking, the longer the power stayed off, the colder the house became, and this seemed to become the bigger concern.
Thanks to my wife's foresight of a possible power outage, our bathtub was filled with water, which came in handy, if not for drinking purposes then for adequate septic flow (need I be more specific?).
The temporary loss of electricity found the family resorting to old-fashioned activities such as reading by candlelight, strumming guitars, and watching wood burn in the fireplace.
As I "struggled" with the "discomforts," I could almost imagine how our forefathers felt as they relished a life with all the "comforts," before electricity was even a consideration.
While I admit there was a moment, during the power outage, where I enjoyed a brief return to the basics, I will also say I prefer living in the 21st century with a warm and well-lit house with all the amenities.
Kudos to those who restored the power, cleared the highway of obstructions, and helped those who found themselves in ditches courtesy of the icy conditions. I trust, by this time, power has returned to all who are reading this.
'Good Doctor' postponed
Our recent storm not only created havoc for power companies, but it also canceled the Kings Valley Charter School's Dec. 15 theatrical performance of "The Great Doctor." This production was written by Joey Bauer and directed by Craig Lehman, recent Philomath High graduates.
School director Mark Hazelton noted that the show will be rescheduled.
Meanwhile, there will be a school concert, "Beat the Winter Blues," on Friday, Jan. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This concert reportedly will involve most, if not all of the rural school's students who have been preparing under the tutelage of Andrea Davis and Hosanna Broderick.
There is even some talk that this might be a great time to reschedule the play and make an evening of it. Stay tuned for more details.
Memories of Jacqueline
Finally, as we wrap up 2006, may you know peace in your heart, joy in your soul, and an attitude of gratitude in your thoughts.
Sadly though, our community will have one less person celebrating the holiday season with the death of Jacqueline Lenore Jones on Dec. 17. A longtime resident of Hoskins, a native of Pedee, and one who was known to care, Jacqueline will be missed by all who have been touched by her life.
Condolences and prayers to her husband of 52 years, John, sons Gerald and Rick, daughter Jackie, and all her grandchildren, family and friends who will feel the void left by her death.
Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.