I just returned from a brisk walk out in our trails.
Actually, it was a "crunchy" walk, as my kids would say, as a walk in leaf-covered woods makes the most delightful crunch sounds under your feet.
This is a great time to go for long leisurely walks, now that the heat and bugs of summer are gone.
I am pleased that we still have a few blooms hanging on in the garden...
These are from a wildflower seed packet that Elsa and I sprinkled around this past May.
That one little seed packet sure brought us a lot of happiness this summer.
But I know winter is ready for its turn. Jack Frost is beginning his visits to us. We have awakened a few times already to his handiwork - sheets of glistening white covering the grass.
So, lately I've been taking baby steps towards getting us ready for winter.
Northern living has taught me a few survival tricks for the bitter cold, bleak days.
Washing up the kids' winter coats made me think to record a few of my ideas here.
In my opinion, there are three elements to enjoying a nice long winter:
Staying warm, staying healthy, and staying happy.
Many books have been written on this subject, so I know you don't need me; but here are a few simple thoughts anyway...
Staying warm in a Wisconsin winter:
I recently retrieved my electric blanket from storage to get it ready for the season. These are such a comfort to have around. You can easily and safely wash them at home, in cold water. Just be sure to remove the cord first, and don't let it get too hot in the dryer. Ours is draped over the back of the couch, freshly washed, and ready to embrace us for daytime read-a-louds and cozy evening movies.
The same goes for electric heating pads. These come in handy a lot. Even household pets enjoy curling up on a warm heating pad in the winter. I like to keep ours easily accessible in a basket right by the couch.
For when you must get out, HotHands packets are extremely helpful and make a big difference. We keep a bucket full of them downstairs by our boots. I've learned through many years of living in Wisconsin that the trick to boots is investing in a good quality, waterproof pair that are 1/2 size larger than your shoe size. This will allow room for a few layers of socks underneath.
Also make sure that every family member has a well fitting pair of long underwear. The fleece-lined kind are my favorite! Remember what the Norwegians say... There's no bad weather, only bad gear.
Staying healthy in a Wisconsin winter:
Not enough could ever be said about the powerful benefits of fresh air and sunshine, especially in the winter.
We get out for nature walks all year round. The country air and wide open spaces have been medicinal for us.
Today's walk was in the woods, to the south of our house, on the Crazy Trail. (We have names for our trails.) It was a nice change of scenery because usually my route is the same: through the orchard, past the barn, down the hill and straight on to the swing.
I've been begging Micah to plant me a birch forest. Most women want romance and jewelry. I want a birch forest. It looks so glamorous in the paintings...
(I have several of these saved on my phone for inspiration. This one's by a Swedish painter named Edvard Westman. I think it's dreamy.)
I believe regular nature walks have saved our health and sanity many times. We almost always return with rosy cheeks and lifted spirits. Sometimes we just take off running as fast as we can and run for as long as we want. Just for fun. And I like to imagine we're in one of Jane Austen's books, as she seems to be fond of creating characters who love to run uninhibitedly through fields and meadows.
(Her most healthful characters behave this way. The sickly ones stay indoors all winter long.)
But if we do get sick this year, I decided to put together a special "sick times" basket for the kids. It's something for them to look forward to. I allowed each of them to pick out an activity at Hobby Lobby, such as a coloring book, paint-by-numbers kit, or small craft, to keep in the basket with the heating pad. They enjoy these types of activities while they're resting and recovering. I enjoy knowing I will have something on hand to cheer them up if they come down ill.
I also like to keep a few special pantry items on hand such as Ginger ale, applesauce, jello, honey and Airbornes. We try to remember to take an Airborne first thing after arriving home from being out in the public. The other items are a comfort to any family member with a sore throat or upset tummy.
Also, a lemon in the fridge at all times is a wise rule. It can be used for making hot lemon water, which is my cure for practically any illness.
Staying happy in a Wisconsin winter:
If my home is filled with stacks of interesting books, fresh flowers on the table, and uplifting music in the background, I can be happy all winter long.
Sometimes intentionally enjoying these simple homey pleasures is all the contentment I need.
I like to always have a good cozy book I can escape into when life gets overwhelming, or when I just need a rest.
I never read self-help books.
*Yawn... what a bore.
I want a story! I want admirable and humorous characters!
These characters become companions and in many ways teachers. One can learn about the terrible health effects of a sour attitude from Mary and Collin in The Secret Garden, for example, in a far deeper and life changing way than from just being told to "be positive" in a shallow self-help book.
Music is easy, since there are so many wonderful things to choose from. But I have my "winter music." Artists ranging from George Winston to Norah Jones are reserved just for the cold months, since their soothing sounds feel like a wool blanket, and fill my home with warm fuzzies.
Fresh flowers can be purchased at grocery stores all winter long, so when the budget allows I like to treat myself to a small bouquet. But growing bulbs can be just as satisfying.
I grew a pot full of paper whites in my living room one winter, and found that having something alive and green made me very happy.
This year I planted daffodil and tulip bulbs in my yard for next spring.
I will look forward to that all winter long!
Having something to look forward to is very helpful for lifting the mood in the winter. Like planning a social gathering with friends or just telling the kids we'll bake cookies when our school lessons are through.
Cooking nourishing meals for my kids makes me happy in the winter.
It feels quite luxurious to make a hot breakfast and linger over coffee and Bible readings while the world is out there chasing school buses.
There are still a few things left to do, such as replacing our humidifier. Micah researched them and has ordered one. I am looking forward to this since last year ours quit working and we didn't realize it until our hands were chapped and our bedding was staticky. Poor little Soren was even suffering from headaches due to such dry air. We will get a new humidifier installed and will be that much more prepared for a lovely winter.
Now all that's left to do is wait patiently for our signature bubblegum pink, winter-in-the-country sunsets!
They are a dazzling sight!
(We had a teaser last month...)
Wishing you a warm, healthy and happy winter, my friends.
~ Courtney ~
