Walking in the dark (again)

At ten to five, it was not as dark as it looks here. I could still see where I was putting my feet, which is useful when there are lots of puddles and muddy patches. This is the road to the village; the more distant street light is roughly opposite our gateway, which is hidden in the shadows. I did the usual circuit of the village, which takes me round the best-lit streets. There are not many street lights, but quite a lot of houses have an outside light, and I particularly appreciate those who don't close their curtains, leaving light to spill out and offering glimpses into their rooms and activities. Light assumes such importance through these long, dark midwinter evenings.