Oh dark, dark, dark, withdrawn from joy and light!
--From "The City of Dreadful Night," James BV Thompson*

Fifteen years ago when I first visited Chicago in the winter, I was shocked at how early it got dark outside this time of year. Now after 10 years of residency here I still find that while others may hanker after warm weather, I look longingly outside and think of long evening walks--in the daylight. Currently we're creeping toward the shortest day of the year and from there it can only get better. I find myself counting the days until I am leaving the office in the daylight again. Till then, I will be monitoring this handy tool, which you creates a sunrise and sunset calendar for your location. Meanwhile, I will be taking comfort in knowing that I do not live in Copenhagen (sunset 3:36 p.m.), Reykjavik (sunrise 11:12 a.m., sunset 3:32 p.m.), or Glasgow (sunset 3:30 p.m.). But ah, to be in Buenos Aires right now (sunset 8:01 p.m.)!

*My, we're getting a little too serious here. Whatever can be done? Let's see now:
The new shavings come, the old go
Oh dark dark dark they all
Go into the dark
The sodden chips of pine,
The uneaten carrot, the too-sour orange,
Your lost cufflink and collar button,
The tax receipt I've been chewing on,
Strips of the Wall Street Journal
The Stock Exchange Gazette
All go into the dark
--from NOT TS Eliot's "Four Pigtets"