Winter is wearing thin.It's been mostly gray here and in some places the snowbanks are 10-15 feet high. We've seen a pattern of snow, cold, thaw, snow, rain, sleet, snow, cold, thaw all winter long. There's been more snow than anything else. We keep reminding ourselves that this winter has been good for seasonal outdoor activities and businesses that support them, but that is - pardon the pun - cold comfort.
I've been buying potted tulips for my office and wearing more pink. I have indulged in a bit or retail therapy. But color and shopping can only do so much to brighten a long and dreary season.
I want to smell and feel spring. I want that lightness that comes when we shed our heavy winter clothing. I want to hear birds again.
Last winter was eased by the anticipation of Paris in May. This year, we'll have to wait until fall - that will be a treat, to be sure, but it is still a long way off.
Fortunately, I can easily recall the feeling of a spring morning in Paris and I have hundreds of photographs that remind me of the light greens, the cool breezes, the smell of flowers and greenery and baguettes and chocolate.
I took the photo above while waiting for the No. 42 bus to Opera Garnier. I thought this cafe looked inviting.
What do you do to chase away the seasonal blues?
16 comments:
During the last snow storm, I did a major cleanout of the kitchen -- including oiling all of my wooden spoons and bowls and cutting boards. It was so satisfying to see them all clean and revitalized -- helped me forget that I'd have to go out and shovel when I finished!
Work. Blog. Wait.
i too am wearing pink:) eating lots of chocolate. attending conferences in sunny places (alabama). paging through seed catalogs. drink lots of hot chocolate...
Though it may seem predictable I celebrate all that is cold and winter. The frost patterns on the windows in their intricate art. A fresh blanket of snow makes everything fresh and new again. Seeing the mounting snow piles I am tempted to build a fort as I did when we were kids.On those days when mother natures works her art and the ice clings to the trees it's a day for cameras where even the amatur becomes Lebowitz.
Pile on the quilts and blankets, mounds of pillows perhaps even a hot water bottle or heated pillow under the covers.Curl up with a canine on each side Light a candle of your favorite scent.Read all those magazines cover to cover inbetween naps and old movies while a caldron of soup bubbles on the stove. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh winter my favorite season!
The Milkmaid
Ah, yes I've used the organizing trick to avoid an onerous task like shoveling, Lydia! Good for you! I should do that, too.
Waiting is wearing thin for me, Betty! Soon. Perhaps.
Dharmagirl, chocolate is a good strategy. Alabama is even better.
MM, I do all that, too. But the fort building sounds like fun...I know of a big snow pile within walking distance of your front yard and we could build a fort there...
I go stand in the greenhouse which is always numerous degrees warmer than outside. If the sun is peaking from behind a cloud the greenhouse is even warmer. I still have parsley in pots to greet me when I walk in and the tarragon is coming up along with new shoots from the oregano shrub.
Love the photo!
Hyacinths on the dining room table. And when those wilt...more hyacinths. And so on and so on. Until I see some green coming up in my own yard, the hyacinths will have to do!
Oh, Christine, how lovely to have a greenhouse!
Yup, Gyn, hyacinths are great. Must buy some next time I see them.
Chicago is getting hammered this winter too, Mimi. I find that when it gets above 20ºF and the wind is calm and the sun shining, it starts to feel almost balmy. Amazing what we can get used to, isn't it?
Terry B, I feel the same. We have had a few 20-degree mornings accompanied by birdsong and immediately my spirits lighten. Then I realize it is merely winter teasing us with hints of spring
Like you review my Paris photos.
Yes, that Salon du tea does look totally inviting.
Next time we stay in the 7th, Tanna.
I hope.
Oh dear.....I'm afraid the weather here in San Diego wouldn't qualify as miserable, though you wouldn't know it from the locals. So many days of rain are making people grumpy. I don't mind, though, because it gives me a good excuse to make things like oxtail stew, which would seem too heavy if we were in flip flops!
And, of course, there's always something that needs cleaning....
I've been busy making all the winter comfort foods that I haven't yet this winter. It's keeping me occupied, but as I look at the many feet of snow outside...sigh, it's going to be a while.
I'm looking forward to spring too Mimi. We have lucked out as far as snow goes here in New York but it has been bitterly cold and windy.
Not to rub salt in the wound - my snowdrops and crocuses have been blooming for a few weeks and the hyacinths are starting... and the magnolias.
You really have had a ton of snow this year. Eau Clair had sooo much more than Minneapolis!
Post a Comment