There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
~Jane Austen
I make the effort to have as many outdoor activities in the winter as I can, to own the right kind of winter gear so I can handle the coldest of days and to be content however long this season lasts. There are things I can not do once the snow is gone, that I really enjoy, thus I must make myself get out and sled, skate, ski, etc. There is a slowing down that is delightful to those of us who like alone time. The below quote just hits the nail on the head as far as the promising side of winter, in my opinion.
There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you. In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other. Only in the winter, in the country, can you have long, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout~
Many days though, thanks to illness or fatigue, are indoor days in the winter. One must find a perfect balance between getting cozy and enjoying down time with stimulation of the mind and body so one doesn’t get cabin fever. There are many things that make home a comfort and I wanted to share a few of my favorites here as way of encouragement that everyone can find cheer in the middle of even a long winter!
Preparing a proper little tea party and sharing it with others takes work, and obviously so does baking bread but the rewards are grand. Coziness, contentment, patience and peace do not exclude putting yourself to work nor do they excuse endless laziness. Believe me a healthy mind can’t handle endless down time and so there in is the blessing in work to be done all around you, night and day, ENDLESSLY, the upside if you will, hahaha.
The faces and presence of those you love, both people and pets, can only really be delved deep with no pretence right at home, and being real around others is a comfort.
P.S To aid in the passing of time spent on house work I have a phone app called libravox that keeps me going with an endless library of audio books, a vast range of literature genres to work through while my hands are busy. Have you ever used the app? Do you listen to other things during the day?
TTFN
Always Lady Mac an Rothaich
One of the reasons I go out with your Dad most days is for the pure pleasure there is in coming home to our cozy, warm and comfortable house. Although I like my home here on earth always, the winter really makes me appreciate it for the above. Of course the fact that one is “nestled in” and does not have tons of work to do during this season, in fact I feel perfectly entitled to do less, is just lovely. Which reminds me. I better go and finish up. I have all your Dad’s clothes out of the closet, on the floor and bed for sorting. Then I will have tea and some reading time. Love Mom.