Last of the Super-High Moons

I took this photo of the moon and Mars on Christmas Eve, just around 11:00 PM. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this was the last super-high full moon, until the year 2025.



The term "super-high" refers to the moon's arc (transit, path across the sky, etc) being much higher above the celestial equator than usual. The moon enters these super-high orbital planes about every 18 years, and, most recently, has been doing so since 2005. With this final full moon of 2007, the moon is now starting to descend to lower declinations.

Winter Planting

And in the winter, wild and cold, 'tis merry, merry, too
- William Howitt





To add some seasonal color to the entrance, I planted small conifers and holly in wooden containers and hanging baskets, along with red cedar mulch for insulation. On warmer days, I give them plenty of water, but when temperatures dip below freezing, the plants are on their own for a while (unless it gets excessively cold, in which case, I take them inside). When spring arrives, I'll transplant them to permanent locations elsewhere. It's nice that some degree of outdoor gardening can still be accomplished during the winter months! :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

First Snow

The first significant winter storm of the season arrived yesterday, leaving a covering of wet snow and ice. But clear weather today made for some good winter photos:

Nearby McConney's Farm offers a nice view of the Housatonic River...