It is cold here, Frances, and it is windy but there is not much snow, a state of affairs I expect to be corrected in the near future. Many winter hours are spent reading while the soup cauldron bubbles gently away on the back of the stove. At the moment, I am reading "Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods" by Kris Spisak, also "The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois by Ryan Graudin. There is always a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate (made as the French make it), and when I am in a whimsical mood, I decorate it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Clarissa's book is sacred to me too.
I see the forecast for my locale and snow with overnight temperatures at 0 degrees F are in store Sunday into the first half of the week so here we go.
Thank you for the mention of what you're reading...I'll look into both books.
I was thinking about your departed Spencer, Emma, and Cassie...it's so hard to lose a beloved animal. On Monday, a traveling vet will come to assist my Coco over that rainbow bridge and his struggles through the snow will end. I'll miss him and our travels.
I am so sorry, Frances. Emma, Cassie and Spencer were dear companions, and I think of them every day. They were loving souls and bright spirits, such fine rambling companions. Beau and I will be thinking of you and Coco on Monday. Give him a hug for me.
I have several dogs (Purple, Toots,Dream, LeStat, and Shadow) there that will also meet your Coco and be part of the welcoming party. I have informed them! They remain with me in spirit and LeStat comes to me in Dreams when in my waking life I am struggling.
Good morning, Linda. Thank you for your message and thank you for all of your support during this time. Yes, the house is different now without Coco and it's strange not looking over to see him. Toward the end, while not seeing a thing, he knew exactly when I got up and struggled to follow me. I have much solace in knowing his passing was easy for him and imagine him meeting your 5 departed ones in the great beyond.
I like to flaunt my skills here, having grown up in the far Northern US and now living in a city with winters colder than Moscow , but you beat me to it: Icebug boots are lifesavers! Heat Tech is very good though at -20C, the heaviest baselayers (such as Patagonia) come out. Mostly, though, it's a matter of attitude, I've never known anything other than deep, cold winters and love the solitude, the warmth of the home, and the warm muffins.
Hi, KC12. Yes, the solitude, coziness, hot drinks, food and the right gear are important. What’s that old saying about ‘no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes …’ There is a limit tho, as I’m finding out in old age.
Thank you for your condolences on the passing of Coco. His flannel coats and all the other accoutrements of a spoiled dog are waiting to go to doggie rescue and people wanting more hings for their pets.
I just subscribed to Davidszauder and a flower gardener on Instagram! The salmon soup sounds and looks delicious. For dinner tonight I'm making a very simple vegetable barley soup and, if I have time, cornbread. That's optimistic, as afternoons in my house tend to be chaotic these days. I will add whipped cream to my lattes (I also have a small espresso machine) and I'm going to check out Uniqlo Heattech and Icebug boots, neither of which I've heard of before. Many thanks for all that you've shared here, Frances!
Your dinner for tonight sounds delicious! Whipped cream makes everything better, IMO. I’m hoping you try the salmon soup…it’s very simple and tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon. With your little sweetie Tjikko, studded Icebugs could save you from falls. I bought the additional covers to slip over them because you’d be taking your life in your hands wearing them on uncarpeted areas.
It's wonderful to read about your paternal grandparents' Slavic ways Frances - were they already in the US when you knew them or did you visit them in their homelands? Just the names of the dishes conjure up a different world. And your practices sound delectably cosy and seasonal - I'll invite myself over soon!! My winter in the UK is nothing like yours - it's been damp-cold-grey mixed with some sparkling frost and bursts of sunshine every now and then and a very little snow round here in the southwest of England - a generally milder place than the north and east. But this evening once it's got dark, a few dozen local families will be gathering by the creek our village sits beside, and we'll then walk with candle lanterns up to our community orchard on top of Watchhouse Hill (named after the Custom's House on the river - we're close to Bristol and the Severn, a major shipping trade in the past, and of course smuggling!) where we'll be Wassailing the apple trees to banish any evil spirits and encourage a good harvest! Presiding over the ceremony will be the Green Man, who, with the aid of a local maiden, will place a piece of toast soaked in cider (made from the the apples in this orchard) in a fork of the King Tree's branches and will then invite everyone present to shout and holler and bang the pots and pans they've been asked to bring along to create a terrifying din and hullaballoo to drive out the malevolant beings and welcome in the good! It's not raining, though no moon or stars likely (a shame as that's a treat to see the moon watching over us on this night!) but it's become a delightful tradition for old and young, families and friends over the last 10 years or so. My partner and I are part of a group that helps maintain this little orchard so it's lovely to take part in this celebration, though we will be cold! You can read a litle more about it here if you wish: https://lizmilner.blog/2018/01/17/old-twelfth-night-wassailing-and-the-christmas-place/ Keep warm!
Liz, your comment opened up a whole wonderful world! How I would love to teleport myself to your village for a chance to see your Wassailing the apple trees and to meet you.
My Slavic relatives came to the United States at the start of WWII, all from small villages and they continued to keep their customs rather than throwing themselves into assimilating into their new land at the expense of the old ways.
This is part of what appeals to me about the UK...those areas where age old traditions continue.
It’s nice to hear you enjoyed to story and the photos, thank you. It’s interesting to hear about your relatives’ non-assimilation - it must be a tricky balance for anyone arriving in a new world; I’m guessing you’ve read America Gods by Neil Gaiman?
What creative space you are living in. You generously shared so much. I love soups and breads. My life is simple and I enjoy my routine of coffee in the morning while I sit with my robe and slippers on, reading for a couple of hours. I process through prayers and journaling. My books open so many doors, Women Who Run With The Wolves was such a book. I was part of a book group that ran for over a year meeting monthly to discuss and share. It was really quite powerful. It remains sacred to me.
If only we lived closer, Linda, we could share soups and bread! I so agree about books opening many doors and I knew that as a child when I would go to the library and sit for hours perusing books before I brought home a new stack to dwell in. No matter the winter weather, I still enjoy the coziness of sitting on the sofa under a throw and reading. I'm looking forward to the new book club which begins tomorrow. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
I think giving ourselves permission to just 'be' in winter is good. I always think of the drawing inward as natural. Doing some organizing is what I've been doing since before the holidays, starting with the kitchen and spices. Now that I've taken up Duchesse's mention of Spice Trekkers in Montreal, I'm pretty much done with pre-ground spices and that freed up so much room. Good for you getting back to yoga...I stopped yoga and pilates a long while ago tho I should find the motivation to return.
It's cold here in NE PA and we have a storm moving in tomorrow, but it feels good to be snug and well-provisioned.
I'm not really making an effort to adapt to winter just getting back to my pre COVID routine–plus yoga which I haven't done in a long time and is MUCH harder than it used to be.
I've been doing a bit of organizing too and have a couple of remodeling projects waiting.
As far as reading, Dream School stuff, mythology and the Heroine's Journey. Re-reading Women Who Run with the Wolves sounds good too.
I'm struggling to be more focused and productive. That's usually not a problem for me in winter but this year it is.
It is cold here, Frances, and it is windy but there is not much snow, a state of affairs I expect to be corrected in the near future. Many winter hours are spent reading while the soup cauldron bubbles gently away on the back of the stove. At the moment, I am reading "Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods" by Kris Spisak, also "The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois by Ryan Graudin. There is always a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate (made as the French make it), and when I am in a whimsical mood, I decorate it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Clarissa's book is sacred to me too.
I see the forecast for my locale and snow with overnight temperatures at 0 degrees F are in store Sunday into the first half of the week so here we go.
Thank you for the mention of what you're reading...I'll look into both books.
I was thinking about your departed Spencer, Emma, and Cassie...it's so hard to lose a beloved animal. On Monday, a traveling vet will come to assist my Coco over that rainbow bridge and his struggles through the snow will end. I'll miss him and our travels.
I am so sorry, Frances. Emma, Cassie and Spencer were dear companions, and I think of them every day. They were loving souls and bright spirits, such fine rambling companions. Beau and I will be thinking of you and Coco on Monday. Give him a hug for me.
Thank you, Cate. I will tell Coco he’ll be meeting your bright spirits on his journey.
xx
I am so sorry Frances. Sending love to you both. Will light a candle for you on Monday!
Your comment brought tears. Thank you so much, Linda.
I have several dogs (Purple, Toots,Dream, LeStat, and Shadow) there that will also meet your Coco and be part of the welcoming party. I have informed them! They remain with me in spirit and LeStat comes to me in Dreams when in my waking life I am struggling.
Ah, Linda, I love this. Thank you!
Hope you are taking good care of yourself today.
Good morning, Linda. Thank you for your message and thank you for all of your support during this time. Yes, the house is different now without Coco and it's strange not looking over to see him. Toward the end, while not seeing a thing, he knew exactly when I got up and struggled to follow me. I have much solace in knowing his passing was easy for him and imagine him meeting your 5 departed ones in the great beyond.
xx
Yes YES Yes!!!
Thinking of you all today and have said prayers and have candle burning!
I like to flaunt my skills here, having grown up in the far Northern US and now living in a city with winters colder than Moscow , but you beat me to it: Icebug boots are lifesavers! Heat Tech is very good though at -20C, the heaviest baselayers (such as Patagonia) come out. Mostly, though, it's a matter of attitude, I've never known anything other than deep, cold winters and love the solitude, the warmth of the home, and the warm muffins.
Hi, KC12. Yes, the solitude, coziness, hot drinks, food and the right gear are important. What’s that old saying about ‘no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes …’ There is a limit tho, as I’m finding out in old age.
Thank you for your condolences on the passing of Coco. His flannel coats and all the other accoutrements of a spoiled dog are waiting to go to doggie rescue and people wanting more hings for their pets.
Stay warm!
I loved the part about Coco in his little red coat.
I just subscribed to Davidszauder and a flower gardener on Instagram! The salmon soup sounds and looks delicious. For dinner tonight I'm making a very simple vegetable barley soup and, if I have time, cornbread. That's optimistic, as afternoons in my house tend to be chaotic these days. I will add whipped cream to my lattes (I also have a small espresso machine) and I'm going to check out Uniqlo Heattech and Icebug boots, neither of which I've heard of before. Many thanks for all that you've shared here, Frances!
Your dinner for tonight sounds delicious! Whipped cream makes everything better, IMO. I’m hoping you try the salmon soup…it’s very simple and tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon. With your little sweetie Tjikko, studded Icebugs could save you from falls. I bought the additional covers to slip over them because you’d be taking your life in your hands wearing them on uncarpeted areas.
It's wonderful to read about your paternal grandparents' Slavic ways Frances - were they already in the US when you knew them or did you visit them in their homelands? Just the names of the dishes conjure up a different world. And your practices sound delectably cosy and seasonal - I'll invite myself over soon!! My winter in the UK is nothing like yours - it's been damp-cold-grey mixed with some sparkling frost and bursts of sunshine every now and then and a very little snow round here in the southwest of England - a generally milder place than the north and east. But this evening once it's got dark, a few dozen local families will be gathering by the creek our village sits beside, and we'll then walk with candle lanterns up to our community orchard on top of Watchhouse Hill (named after the Custom's House on the river - we're close to Bristol and the Severn, a major shipping trade in the past, and of course smuggling!) where we'll be Wassailing the apple trees to banish any evil spirits and encourage a good harvest! Presiding over the ceremony will be the Green Man, who, with the aid of a local maiden, will place a piece of toast soaked in cider (made from the the apples in this orchard) in a fork of the King Tree's branches and will then invite everyone present to shout and holler and bang the pots and pans they've been asked to bring along to create a terrifying din and hullaballoo to drive out the malevolant beings and welcome in the good! It's not raining, though no moon or stars likely (a shame as that's a treat to see the moon watching over us on this night!) but it's become a delightful tradition for old and young, families and friends over the last 10 years or so. My partner and I are part of a group that helps maintain this little orchard so it's lovely to take part in this celebration, though we will be cold! You can read a litle more about it here if you wish: https://lizmilner.blog/2018/01/17/old-twelfth-night-wassailing-and-the-christmas-place/ Keep warm!
Liz, your comment opened up a whole wonderful world! How I would love to teleport myself to your village for a chance to see your Wassailing the apple trees and to meet you.
My Slavic relatives came to the United States at the start of WWII, all from small villages and they continued to keep their customs rather than throwing themselves into assimilating into their new land at the expense of the old ways.
This is part of what appeals to me about the UK...those areas where age old traditions continue.
And I your photographs are wonderful.
Thank you, so much.
It’s nice to hear you enjoyed to story and the photos, thank you. It’s interesting to hear about your relatives’ non-assimilation - it must be a tricky balance for anyone arriving in a new world; I’m guessing you’ve read America Gods by Neil Gaiman?
PS to my earlier comment - here are some photos from 2020 of our village Wassail and the Green Man! https://www.flickr.com/photos/liz-milner_pill-village/albums/72157712627654878/
I think we could be good neighbors! Thank you for you friendship here on Substack!
I feel the same way, Linda.
x
What creative space you are living in. You generously shared so much. I love soups and breads. My life is simple and I enjoy my routine of coffee in the morning while I sit with my robe and slippers on, reading for a couple of hours. I process through prayers and journaling. My books open so many doors, Women Who Run With The Wolves was such a book. I was part of a book group that ran for over a year meeting monthly to discuss and share. It was really quite powerful. It remains sacred to me.
If only we lived closer, Linda, we could share soups and bread! I so agree about books opening many doors and I knew that as a child when I would go to the library and sit for hours perusing books before I brought home a new stack to dwell in. No matter the winter weather, I still enjoy the coziness of sitting on the sofa under a throw and reading. I'm looking forward to the new book club which begins tomorrow. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
I think giving ourselves permission to just 'be' in winter is good. I always think of the drawing inward as natural. Doing some organizing is what I've been doing since before the holidays, starting with the kitchen and spices. Now that I've taken up Duchesse's mention of Spice Trekkers in Montreal, I'm pretty much done with pre-ground spices and that freed up so much room. Good for you getting back to yoga...I stopped yoga and pilates a long while ago tho I should find the motivation to return.
Stay cozy in your snow storm.
x
PS! I forgot to write that I am saddened by the loss of your beloved Coco.
Hi Frances,
I loved the glimpse into your winter, Frances!
It's cold here in NE PA and we have a storm moving in tomorrow, but it feels good to be snug and well-provisioned.
I'm not really making an effort to adapt to winter just getting back to my pre COVID routine–plus yoga which I haven't done in a long time and is MUCH harder than it used to be.
I've been doing a bit of organizing too and have a couple of remodeling projects waiting.
As far as reading, Dream School stuff, mythology and the Heroine's Journey. Re-reading Women Who Run with the Wolves sounds good too.
I'm struggling to be more focused and productive. That's usually not a problem for me in winter but this year it is.
Thanks for the lovely post 💕