The almost-full moon illumates my frozen world. The trees, meadow and river outside my window shine with an unearthly siver light, their outlines eerily crisp and sharp. The white moutain off in the distance seems to be entirely from a different world but this one.

It's winter solstice - the longest night. What better way to spend it than in a hot tub, 20F-degree air on my face, hot liquid against my skin, moon shimmering above me, sipping whiskey and listening to Depeche Mode.

Consider their lyrics...

I'm waiting for the night to fall
I know that it will save us all
When everything's dark
Keeps us from the stark reality

I'm waiting for the night to fall
When everything is bearable
And there in the still
All that you feel is tranquillity

There is a star in the sky
Guiding my way with its light
And in the glow of the moon
Know my deliverance will come soon