The Seasons Change

Winter begins on December 22, at 1:30 a.m. -- Well, d'uh!
It is the shortest day, but the earth / sun reveal a few wrinkles:

-- The earliest sunset is TODAY, at 4:33 p.m.*
-- The latest sunrise is in 2 weeks' time, January 3, at 7:51 a.m.
Similarly, the swing days for Summer follow this pattern:
Summer arrives on June 20, 2012, at 8:09 p.m.
-- Earliest sunrise: June 15, 5:25 a.m.
-- Latest sunset: June 23, 9:04 p.m.
Spring equinox: March 20, 9:09 p.m.; Autumnal: September 22, 11:49 a.m.
Right now, you may (finally!) be asking yourself: How does he know all that?
It's easy ... I consulted my handy copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac, Canadian Edition, 2012.
Yes, Dear Reader -- after 30+ years -- I still purchase my print copy every Fall, even though they have an excellent, comprehensive product on their website.
It contains " ... besides the lare number of Astronomical Calculations and the Farmer's Calendar for every month of the year, a variety of NEW, USEFUL, & ENTERTAINING MATTER."
It was established in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas, in Dublin, NH.
A really convenient feature is a hole drilled on its upper left, so it can be hung on a hook or nail!
*So, like the Eternal Optimist, I see that the days will soon begin to lengthen.
There IS hope!