Don't be SADD

Isn't this relatively pleasant weather helping us make it up to the shortest day (one of the days I most anticipate in the whole year) and then to the blessed moment when the evenings get lighter?
Remembering discussion on this last year and hearing our local TV weatherman saying that the shortest day isn't actually the day when sunset is earliest, I've done some snooping and found the table for London for December.

Apologies - it won't tab properly - I have tried! However, I think you can pick the bones out of it. Here's the link if that's easier

Sunrise Sunset Daylight length
9 Dec 2009 07:54 15:52 7h 57m 42s
10 Dec 2009 07:55 15:51 7h 56m 28s
11 Dec 2009 07:56 15:51 7h 55m 19s
12 Dec 2009 07:57 15:51 7h 54m 17s
13 Dec 2009 07:58 15:51 7h 53m 21s
14 Dec 2009 07:59 15:51 7h 52m 31s
15 Dec 2009 08:00 15:52 7h 51m 48s
16 Dec 2009 08:01 15:52 7h 51m 11s
17 Dec 2009 08:01 15:52 7h 50m 40s
18 Dec 2009 08:02 15:52 7h 50m 15s
19 Dec 2009 08:03 15:53 7h 49m 57s
20 Dec 2009 08:03 15:53 7h 49m 46s
21 Dec 2009 08:04 15:53 7h 49m 41s
22 Dec 2009 08:04 15:54 7h 49m 43s
23 Dec 2009 08:05 15:55 7h 49m 51s

So, although the shortest length od day is indeed 21 December, the earliest sunset is from 9 to 14 December and is at 3.51. The sunset time gets later (by a whole minute!) from 15 December.

So, SADD people, and everyone who hates the dark afternoons. Only 4 weeks till the zenith. Hoorah!

Re: Don't be SADD

Makes me want to go on hols somewhere warm and sunny

Re: Don't be SADD

I'll send you a p/c from The Nile in January ;0)

Re: Don't be SADD

Interesting! I must look out a table for Washington; I too can't wait till we start getting even one more minute of daylight in the evening!

Re: Don't be SADD

Here's your chart DM
You do even better! Your earliest sunsets are 1-12 December, so eleven days time and you can console yourself with the thought that at least the evenings won't get any darker - and you get your extra minute on 13th Dec Enjoy!

Re: Don't be SADD

I need a boat to go out!! It is not taking time to come down - I got soaked just going to the bins to take them out! Our back door path is flooded! It was dark where I live at 4.00 pm today and will get darker as the month goes on!

I like the dark nights though - much cosier!

Re: Don't be SADD

Many thanks! I'll be counting the days!

Re: Don't be SADD

Thanks DM, good to know things will start to improve in 4 weeks, absolutely hate these half days............

Re: Don't be SADD

I really don't care what time the sun rises; I'm a late sleeper and am in bed asleep when it does; but I dearly hate these early sunsets.

Re: Don't be SADD

God willing we'll be flying out to the caribbean on 3rd december for a cruise-so this Sadd person is very much looking forward to it