It kind of makes me irrationally angry when people suggest that winter begins in midwinter and ends in spring. But then, I take a think and consider that maybe for those who live to the south of me, that might make some kind of sense.

It's a few degrees north of me, but Shetland has just marked Up Helly Aa, and the Simmer Dim approaches at midsummer. And at 57 degrees north, it's really farking noticeable just how much more sunlight there is today compared to the solstice.

But is that the thing? I associate the end of winter with the returning of light. In places to the south, perhaps the cold is a bigger consideration? idk.