Graham,

After my post, above, I did a little research and discovered the difference between "astronomical seasons" (as I was describing above re the solstice) and "meteorological seasons." Apparently, meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere is December, January, and February. In southern locations meteorological winter begains on June first and last for three months, as you indicated.

I still prefer astronomical seasons, myself, but for me to say that your Winter did not start on June first is, at least, inaccurate.

One learns something new each day!

Kevin