Winter Solstice – Cedarcrest Sanctum

Lady Bat in Her Belfry

The day length for December 21st, 2020 was 9 hours, 26 minutes.

That also made it the longest night of the year… perfect for Vampires.

Happy Winter Solstice. I spent it on the rooftop of Cedarcrest Sanctum in my “lunarium” where I keep my telescopes. Cole refers to it as my belfry; he even hug up a little bell up to make it official. I was trying to watch the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn crossing paths, but overcast skies are thwarted my plans to see it live. I resisted cheating the weather patterns.

In facility news, we got the first round of our COVID vaccine fully distributed to residents and staff over the weekend. It doesn’t mean we’re safe; it means the end is in sight but we have to stay vigilant, remembering to mask up and keep social distancing.

And while “that guy” has less than thirty days before eviction from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C., a new round of stimulus checks will hopefully be going out to Americans soon.

I know we’ve been lucky, and I know many have not. I also know we’re all tired of “the new normal,” but things really are looking much more hopeful than they have for a long time.

Sorry for the late post. My New Year’s Resolution is to get back to a regular blogging schedule. Things have happened and been happening — you’ll find out more about them soon.

Trust me; I’m a Vampire.

Take your power seriously. Keep each other safe. Be indomitable.
~ Janiss

Email janiss.connelly@cedarcrestsanctum.com
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An Old-Time Allegheny Christmas – Daughters of Darkness

January 8January 84 Comments

Note: this conversation originally took place on the evening of Wednesday, December 21st — the 2016 Winter Solstice.

Janiss: We’re back for another evening of hot cocoa and immortal talk. Say hello, Nancy.

Nancy: (long sigh) Hello.

J: It’s the longest night of the year, and you’ve chosen to spend at least a little of it with me — thank you.

N: Free drinks, yes?

J: I pay for those.

N: Free for me, then. (sips) What topic have you chosen?

J: Christmas, of course.

N: Very appropriate. (gestures at all the decorations and shoppers, then at her themed cup) Continue.

J: (leans forward) Do you celebrate it?

N: (raises an eyebrow)

J: Come on, you can’t tell me you’ve never been swayed by the Christmas spirit. Not once in three centuries?

N: I most often choose to spend it alone not killing anyone.

J: Isn’t that how you spend most nights?

N: (nods) Not all that different from any other time of year.

J: What about people watching?

N: I find it inappropriate to leer at livestock while it roams and grazes. (sips)
Continue reading “An Old-Time Allegheny Christmas – Daughters of Darkness” →

Happy Winter Solstice

December 21March 12

Today is the Winter Solstice, officially the first day of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The word solstice originates from Latin, meaning “sun” and “to stand still.” Holidays such as Yule and Christmas are celebrated at this time of year.

To our executive administrator, it is happily the longest night of the year.

If you see her after sunset tonight, wish her a Happy Winter Solstice.

~ Timothy Harker
Operations Administrator
Cedarcrest Sanctum