Wading through Winter

January in my neck of the woods has been cold with a whole lot of snow without the added bonus of storm days off through the week.  Sigh! We've not had a good sunny day on the weekend so I can go snowshoeing. So, how have I spent my time off?

Well, first there's shopping for important, much-needed items like a new mattress. Then there's the shopping for no-so-much-needed items like the following:

Who doesn't love a soft, comfy pair of 'shoo-boots' in a dusty rose color for $11.00 freekin' dollars! Thank you Winners!

And who can resist discounted gourmet chocolate with descriptions like  elderberry apple Elderflower. I eat them small amounts, slowly letting them melt on my tongue. Yum!


There's also been a happy increase in my reading in 2020. I've spent many happy hours on my couch with a good book and a cup of something delicious. 

(And contrary to what the cup says, there's Inka coffee substitute in there and not prosecco.)


I've indulged in lots of Netflix as well, but I've also spent many happy hours (1/2 hours?) in my bathtub, fragrant with my homemade eucalyptus epsom salts soak, soft lighting and some folky/dreamy music. My sister gave me this battery operated mini-terrarium light at Xmas, and it sure looks pretty when you're lying back in your bath chillaxing. I find it's so important to my self-care to decompress in this way.

My music tastes will vary depending on the season and my frame of mind, of course. The music I've been listening to most lately has been Celtic: Loreena McKennitt, Capercallie and Altan. There's something about those grass-roots instruments and the soothing, lilting vocals; they make a deep connection in my spirit. 

Here's a little sample of Altan. Don't you just love the male vocals! 




The ice and snow is just starting outside my office window, so it's off home in a little while before this weekends storm hits. 

 Happy weekend y'all. I wish you peace and calm in the midst of whatever storm you may encounter.

... and a very achey New Year

 A very belated Happy New Year to you all. I've not been busy just hesitant to come out from underneath the fleece blanket!

Yes, I not only survived the Christmas holidays, but finally, after 3 years, I've had my first good Xmas here in Newfoundland. I prepared Xmas dinner for my dad and siblings; and although both my brother and I had to work fairly hard at the beginning of our time together to fend off the negative comments, pretty soon everyone else joined in the fun and laughter  and we all had a good time together. At 89 years of age, my dad won't be around for many more of these.

The remainder of my Xmas break was a rotation of favorite movies while eating melted brie and/or chocolate with regular walks outside in the cold air to "blow the stink off me" as an old friend's father used to say to us. And there may have been a day or two spent at the Mall checking out the Xmas sales. 

New Year's Eve was a quiet one. I actually enjoy a quiet evening at home; and this year featured one of my favorite wines, Sandara. And what's more festive than Shaun of the Dead, huh! It worked for Toroto and I.

Now that Xmas is over, the near future looks cold and bleak. It's been in the  -12 to -20 C range (10 to -4 F) lately with plenty of the white stuff outside. But we did not get hit with last week's storm like the provincial capital did: St. John's had a day and a half snow storm where 76.2 cm of snow fell: that's 30" of snow! And with the 150 km/hr winds, the snow drifts covered cars and highways 15' in places. Wow! They declared a state of emergency, and even today -- 3 days later -- schools, business' and shops are not open.

Before me are 2-3 months of cold and snow and isolation. So, to help combat cabin fever and total shut-down of my joints and muscles, I've begun to swim a couple of mornings a week. (When I say swim, I mean crawl a couple of laps.) So, while I may not seize up this winter, I do have to get past muscles screaming because they haven't been used like this for a while! Ahhhhh, the joys of aging!

Hope you're warm where you are, my blogging friends.  I may be here at work, but the fleece is always handy!

The Blessing of a Snow Day

We all know this is one of the most busy times of the year. Even when you want to keep things simple ...... even when you're organized and ready for the festivities, life is just so darned busy. I've found that with aging, it's so, so important to make ME the priority: one just doesn't have the strength, stamina, or health to ignore the signs that you need to slow down. So, I make allowances for the things that I 'wanted' to do and just stick to what 'needs' to be done. And I'm okay with that. But if a good ole Newfie blizzard causes a work closure, I take full advantage of that extra day. 

Sunday afternoon, I didn't do my usual cooking for the week but instead took myself for a walk in the mist and scattered slush and sat near the bay to soak up some nature. Ahhhhh! 

Alas, Monday morning I woke to a raging blizzard outside which meant no work. So, while I enjoyed my morning coffee, I looked through my new-to-me cookbooks (purchased for $1 each at our library book sale). I adore reading cookbooks! 

I earmarked recipes that I want to try in future; not everything was a Xmas recipe. But I did pull out my tried 'n' true Xmas recipes and made a list of pantry needs. I took out butter and cream cheese to warm to room temp. And while that was happening, I decided to do my weekly cook. 

Soon I had a pot of delicious Japanese curry bubbling on my stovetop, filling the apartment with the most delicious, comforting aromas! Japanese curry cubes are wonderful: they're really quick and convenient and wonderfully flavorful, adding just a hint of sweetness and a deep, rich color. One of my Japanese international students introduced me to them, and although I love Indian carries, there are times that I crave a good Japanese curry, especially in winter. Yum!

For dinner, I made a favorite chicken dish that I've made for years. I put a couple of chicken breasts in a baking dish, top with salsa and Jack cheese and bake. Serve with a good rice and a salad, and you have a completely balanced meal. 

I ate a simple lunch; and by that time, the butter and cream cheese were room temp. So, I made a couple of batches of cookie dough to pop in the freezer: shortbread and Rugelach, two of our favorites. Then, just like the good Lord Himself, I rested! Feet up, a large mug of hot chocolate (and perhaps a few German chocolate treats which had just arrived), and a little Netflix. 

Because this unexpected snow day, I'll be able to give more time to prepping my 89 year old Dad's house for our family Christmas dinner and my grandson's Dec 23rd birthday. And I'll be able to rest more. Fingers crossed that this Xmas will be illness and stress free!

My last day of work will be this Friday. And as I don't have a computer at home yet, you may not hear much from me until I return to work. But I'll be catching up on your posts via my phone.

Hubert, Doris and I all wish you a Happy Solstice tomorrow, a Happy Hannukah, and the very best of Christmas'. And if you don't celebrate, I wish you peace and joy and quiet amidst the hooplah.

Rabbit Rabbit December

Rabbit Rabbit everyone. Christmas month is here.

I've had 3 Xmas's here in Newfoundland, each one worse than the previous. So last year, I did the bare minimum: I didn't decorate other than my memory 'tree' laden with pictures of the people I missed the most. It served it's purpose. 

But a few months ago, I began to think on Christmas and I began to actually get excited about it. I've had a change of attitude that's happened since last year; I don't know how it happened other than through the power of prayer. And although life here is still challenging and I'm still very alone, I feel more settled and content and able to cope with the upcoming long, cold winter. 

So, I decided to decorate and celebrate Xmas for me: not with expectations of the past, but just to celebrate the lights, the music, the joy of Christ, the food, the movies -- ALL the good that the season has to offer.   

As I spent Sunday decorating, I felt happy. Each ornament has a story, a memory, a name attached to it; and it was wonderful to think on these. 

From my 1st Grandma bulb to Ugly Santa, onto Snoopy (who after 37 years is showing some wear), then thru 28 yr old Molly's snowflake, Ayaka's cupcake and finally onto Miley's wrecking ball:  the perfect spot was found for each one.



The same was true for my nativity scene, my Newfoundland mummers and all my Xmas decor. I didn't even take out all my stuff the 1st Xmas here; so it was nice to find those perfect spots and commit them to memory for years to come. One of my favorites is my kitchen window display: it holds all my small Santa and Mrs Clauses. Washing up will be more pleasant now .... 

especially in the dark December evenings when the twinkle lights above make my hanging crystal icicles glitter. So pretty! 

Yes, the month is upon us and before you know it, the big day will come. But there's lots to enjoy leading up to Dec 25th. I hope today you find something beautiful to enrich your life -- even if it's only a good cup of coffee.

Old Man Winter

Old man winter arrived on the west coast of Newfoundland last Friday with a messy drive home. I was quite happy to nestle inside  and simply admire how pretty it looked later that night.

Saturday morning brought a little sunshine with the snow. So, I ventured outside to visit the local 'Wonderful Fine' market. (Wonderful fine is an old timey Newfoundland saying denoting good health and spirits.) The Market only runs from August to December, so it's one of the highlights of my week. Delicious locally roasted and ground coffee; the ONLY good French macaroon around and lovely crafts and treats. 


One of the vendors, Natura Soap Company, had a 50% off special on their soap-of-the-month, and I'd pre-ordered "One of each, please!" I've enough to last me most of the year (unless one or two find their way into Xmas packages.) Occasionally buying natural products is one of the ways I pamper myself.



I spent a quiet Sunday trying (unsuccessfully) to avert a head cold. I always like to go outside for my morning coffee, no matter what the weather. I was prepared to bundle up and get some much needed fresh air and sunlight .... but when I saw the 10" of snow, I decided I'd just drink it in front of the TV. I snuggled under my fleece blankie and watched Netflix. But I did make myself a really nice dinner: Ginger Orange Glazed tofu (which was really delicious), Japanese rice (my favorite) and some sauteed peppers and mushrooms in soy. One must feed one's body well especially when sick.

November 11th brought intermittent rain and cleared some of the snow. But my head cold kept me from going uptown for the ceremonies. So, I bundled up and sat outside; I closed my eyes and spent some time in silence and gratitude for those who have served and who continue to serve in our military. 

We continue to enjoy sunshine and clearing today and tomorrow. So, with any luck, I won't have to don my snow pants this Saturday for coffee time! 

I hope your weekend is a good one.

Happy November!

"November comes, and November goes,
      With the last red berries and the first white snows.
With night coming early, and dawn coming late,
      And ice in the bucket and frost by the gate.
The fires burn and the kettles sing,
      And earth sinks to rest until next spring."

-- Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893–1986)

Where does the time go! November already! And in spite of our terrible summer here in western Newfoundland, fall has been wonderful with lots of cool, crisp days and no snow. That may change tonight! So today my winter tires get installed on my car, and once again, I begin the descent into Newfoundland's long, cold 6-month-long night!  The abundance of dogberries predicts a cold, snowy winter! 

Somehow, my attitude this year is different -- more positive. Winter here always means lots of alone time for me: driving can be very treacherous and we get a lot of snow. Any time school is closed, the office is closed as well.  But I recently dug out some crafting projects and am enjoying quilting and knitting again. I have a stack of unread books and a basket of woolen socks nearby. I'm looking forward to practicing more 'hygge'. 

I've also begun to eat more plant-based foods as well as stretching and light weights (aka soup cans)! As one ages, one's health can so easily go downhill. It's so important to know and listen to your body; your inner voice/intuition is often very wise! I listened to mine recently and gave up taking an acid reflux tablet prescribed by my doctor; and after 3 months, my stomach problems and leg and foot cramping have stopped! My chiropractor cured my acid reflux with 2 adjustments! 

I turned 65 last month, but retirement is not in the picture for me for a few more years. I mean, WHAT would I do at home 24/7? Also, I really love my job; I'm fortunate that I can remain here. 

The 60's are proving to be an interesting time! It's scary and frustrating to watch yourself become more wrinkly and more weak; and your body begins to object to certain foods that you've always enjoyed! Scheesch!  But I'm so thankful that my body and my mind tell me to keep moving and learning. I want to have as much life as possible in my years! 

Happy November y'all! 

Remember to dance; 

remember to breathe deeply; 

remember to be easy on yourselves.

Happy Fall

Hello to everyone. I've had a busy summer with lots of activity. Here are some highlights since I last posted.

My daughter's wedding in Punta Cana in late May was amazing -- hands down the best vacation I've ever had. A lot of it was the venue, the food and the water, but if I hadn't been with such wonderful people (such as my Possee above), it wouldn't have rocked quite as much. 

In July, I introduced my brother, the outdoorsman, to the joys of hiking Newfoundland when I took him to one of my favorite places, Southhead Lighthouse. It was a wonderful hike, and I really appreciate that he takes the time afterwards to 'sit in gratitude for the beauty around us', as he says.

However, these near-65 year old knees really objected to the hike back down the mountain; and I was out of commission for epic hikes until Labour Day weekend when he invited me to his cabin. 

That's when he introduced me to Serpentine Lake, one of the areas around his cabin. Although he's been to this area on snowmobile in the winter, it was the first time he'd hiked it. And it did NOT disappoint. It was a magical hike, full of clear, clean babbling brooks, meadows of NL Pitcher Plants and copious amounts of moose droppings! My knees didn't mind the more gentle slope of this climb.

This was our view at the end of that hike. Wow! I kept thinking of Lord of the Rings and how the golden hills reminded me of Rohan; I could just imagine Gandalf riding down to save the day at Helm's Deep!

 

The following day, we joined some friends and took the quad to the same location; but this time, we traversed brook and stream and rocks and boulders to find the hidden falls. It was another wonderful day trip.

A happy man and his quad!

Since then, the weather has decidedly taken a turn towards autumn. Although the days are mostly warm, I had to turn my furnace on the other night. 

You won't catch me with a pumpkin-spice anything, but you will find me in cardigans and sneakers and continuing my march through the wilderness in search of colorful leaves ......... any day now.

Happy unofficial Autumn, everyone!