Sunrise in Frost

Many ask why we named the burial ground Sun Rising.  Our answer is, of course, that it is a local name: the part of the Edge Hills escarpment behind us is called Sun Rising Hill, and the name felt appropriate, suggesting the promise of dawn after the long dark night of grief, the promise of spring after the cold of winter.

In reality, we have so many wonderful sunsets at Sun Rising, but very seldom do we have the special light of sun rise – the hill being so high that, by the time the sun breaks its horizon, it is already broad daylight.  However, now and then, in winter, the light that creeps over the hill is golden.  Here’s a view of the roundhouse on a day of thick frost, just as the sun is breaking over the hill.  The teasels (out of focus in the foreground) are still offering the occasional seed to interested goldfinches, but these will soon be cleared.

Sun Rise in Frost

The Golden Light of the Sun Breaking Sun Rising Hill

The first snowdrops are now flowering at Sun Rising.  Most are little white droplets, but the sturdiest are opening their petals.  If you look carefully, you’ll see primroses in flower as well, and the catkins on hazel and silver birch.  A new year of growth is just beginning.