Hunker Down

Here in the middle of nowhere, about this time of year we hunker down and really—I do mean really!—settle in for what feels like the longest haul. Last week we had sub-zero temps; this week the thermometer has at least crawled into the teens but still, it feels icy.

Fortunately we who are crazy enough to live in what neighboring towns call “The Snowbelt” come equipped with a vast repertoire of interests with which to while away the bleak hours. Hubby carves. I write. We both read, play chess and cards. We have marathon Monopoly games. Winter is the time we fiddle in the kitchen, creating new dishes with unlikely ingredients.

We snuggle. Yeah, snuggling’s big here.

So while the wind howls and winter’s icy fingertips rake down the windowpanes, we hunker down and know that sooner or later, spring will find us. Until then, it’s hot chocolate, roaring fireplaces, snuggling and classic movie marathons.

What about you? How’s winter going in your neck of the woods? And please, if you live in a place that’s warm and sunny right now, don’t tell me about it! (This means you, Judy!!) I don’t mean to be rude, but if you get me drooling over sunny skies, barefoot sand walking or grilling, I might start to drool. Believe me, in these temps drooling could be a very tricky endeavor, one of those “don’t try this at home” things!