Today is the Summer Solstice

**runfaster21** · 06-21-2011,05:24 AM

I'm a lurker here but I'm surprised I don't see a thread about this so I decided to start one myself.

Today is the summer solstice. Summer begins in the northern hemisphere today at 1:16 pm. That's not the good news, though.

The good news is that from now on, the days begin to get shorter. Where I am, for instance, tomorrow will have two seconds less of daylight than today does, and the amount of daylight will continue to decrease at a more rapid pace each day until late December.

For me, there are certain milestones that happen throughout the summer that signify that fall is slowly approaching. First there's the summer solstice, then there's the Fourth of July, then there's our family vacation (which is usually later in the summer for us), then there's the first day of school. As all those things happen, I can feel summer waning and fall getting closer.

Today makes me happy. I'm not some kind of vampire who burns in sunlight. There are good things about summer, sure. But I'm probably not the only one here who dreams of the shorter, cooler days of fall.

Today is the longest day of the year. It's all downhill from here!

**IshWitch** · 06-21-2011,05:33 AM

As much as I love Halloween and Christmas, all these milestones go by too fast, just reminding me how much faster I am getting older.
Plus I want longer days longer! I am from Michigan and miss the sun setting at 10pm. Here in FL there is at least an hour less of daylight. Not that that helps at Halloween with the stupid DST changed to Nov! But that is a fight for another day! LOL
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer. Sorry.
Has anyone ever gotten an egg to stand on its end?

**Ween12amEternal** · 06-21-2011,05:42 AM

Hi & welcome to the Forum. Some members are talking about the start of summer in the Off-Topic section. Also, feel free to introduce yourself in the Member Introduction section.

I agree, hitting the summer solstice is like hitting another milemarker on the road to Halloween. Anticipation really starts building, and really start thinking about my display.

**Wolfman** · 06-21-2011,05:46 AM

Oh, yes, a big day for all those Druids, Mayans, Egyptians and other Sun Worshippers. Even on the isolated Island of Tennerife in the Canary Islands there is an ancient, large flat-topped pyramid that lines up with today's sunrise. These days you can purchase greeting cards that celebrate the day. http://fineartamerica.com/products/s...ting-card.html

Fewer and fewer young people are aware of the significance of this day. And, shame. shame on us parents. Too many video games, not enough reading...

**Necropolis** · 06-21-2011,06:36 AM

I cherish the summer because it gives much more opportunity to get out and play some basketball in the park, but I welcome the fall season every step of the way.