sunset at low tide
sunset at low tide at Point Isabel

December 2nd at Point Isabel

We only went to see the low tide -1.8, however

the moon and the sun were in cahoots

with the sea, all leaving in concert,

abandoning the land and us to

shiver on the shore

with nothing but a scarf of tangerine sherbet sky.

We stretched out our arms and threw back our heads and

 waltzed with the flavor of the day.

Carol Carlisle  © 12/3/13

Early sunset makes December a colorful time of year. The Christmas lights  and decorations seem to be joint the sky party.  Because of the difference between the clock noon and “solar noon” the earliest sunset of the year is two weeks before winter solstice. It is still the shortest day and the time when the sun stands still and changes directions. I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy the light show sometimes this month.

Who knows the three different sunset?

Rising and setting times for the Sun In the san FRANCISCO Area

Length of day Solar noon
Date Sunrise Sunset This day Difference Time Altitude Distance
(million mi)
Dec 3, 2013 7:09 AM 4:51 PM 9h 42m 14s − 1m 02s 12:00 Noon 30.1° 91.631
Dec 4, 2013 7:09 AM 4:51 PM 9h 41m 15s − 59s 12:00 Noon 29.9° 91.617
Dec 5, 2013 7:10 AM 4:51 PM 9h 40m 18s − 56s 12:01 PM 29.8° 91.603
Dec 6, 2013 7:11 AM 4:51 PM 9h 39m 25s − 53s 12:01 PM 29.7° 91.590
Dec 7, 2013 7:12 AM 4:51 PM 9h 38m 35s − 49s 12:01 PM 29.6° 91.577
Dec 8, 2013 7:13 AM 4:51 PM 9h 37m 48s − 46s 12:02 PM 29.5° 91.564
Dec 9, 2013 7:14 AM 4:51 PM 9h 37m 05s − 43s 12:02 PM 29.4° 91.552

I have abandoned myself to the mysteries of sunset at the suggestion of Margo Rody whose word for the day is ABANDON.

22 thoughts

  2. stay tuned for 3 sunsets I guess you knew that. Where we were walking is a dog park since Patches went to Dog Heaven we don’t go there often but lately the pull of light and air has called us out there.

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  5. “nothing but a scarf of tangerine sherbet sky”

    I love this and the dance of your words describing the awe of sunset…beautiful, Carol.

    I didn’t know the sun stood still and changes directions?

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      1. Carol… I saw you replied to a comment, but didn’t get to writing back…maybe I dreamed it???? (I seem to be in a bit of a December “bear cave” mode…. 🙂 http://pocketperspectives.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/winter-approaching-bear-wisdom/ (getting ready to repost that one….and …. a favorite of mine: http://www.cathymcclelland.com/enlarge_htm_pages/Magical/bear_meditation.htm )
        Did you suggest getting together or did I “dream” that???? 🙂 How about a walk or coffee in Berkeley or nearby? My dashboard doesn’t seem to notify me of responses to comments left to others…so my email is kboyle777@comcast.net Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Joss could waft over from France and join us???? maybe skyppe?
        On Sunday, I saw a trailhead for Wildcat Canyon trailhdeads near Bernhard Ave at the top of the Richmond/San Pablo hills…have you ever been there? It looked intriguing…..

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    1. You must be on the other side of the world. It is morning here with sun pouring into my kitchen. All moments to savor.

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        1. That is very far from Northern California. Are you close to Cornwall? We just saw Tristan Yseult and have been into up all things Cornish including Doc Martin.

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    1. I was thinking how both lights were leaving us as I watched this sunset. Your prompt created a form for me to frolic within! Tanx

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