This is the second to last Wednesday in winter and so my second to last post for the season. It’s definitely an indoor kind of late winter day. I’m cooked a roast in the crock pot and spent some time wrapped in my snuggly blanket watching television.

The Weather

It’s a pretty chilly day. Cloudy, rained on and off all day. Haven’t see the sun. Currently 43 degrees out there with a feels like of 36. Funny how that feels cold to me today but if we’d had a day like this in January, it would’ve just about qualified as no coat weather. (For the record, we had several light jacket only days in January this year)

Thoughts As This Winter Winds Down

Even though our weather’s been mild, I do still feel as though I’m coming out of a hibernation a bit. And I’m still angry that I’m not yet “shedding” my winter coat of fat. Ha. Probably work better if I stopped making strawberry pies and such.

I do wonder if the milder weather was a factor in fewer days of feeling depressed over here. Maybe I should have tracked if we had more days of sun than usual. I tend to get down a bit in the winter months and really, didn’t feel it as much. (I’ll have to ask my husband if he noticed, he might have a different opinion about it)

Seems that my allergy/sore throat stuff morphed into a touch of bronchitis/pneumonia. Been a while but I recognize it. Had a good run. All the dust from mowing up the dead leaves over the weekend didn’t help things. It’s not awful, just annoying. Need to make friends with my black elderberry syrup again.

Also, I wonder if they realize with the upcoming time change around here, they’re springing us forward while it’s still technically winter?

Finally, like the little spring plants pushing up from the ground, I’m starting to feel a bit hopeful for the future. If you’ve followed for a while, you know the past few years have been tough at times with my youngest. (Every time I mention it, I want to add what pops into my head: stupid Covid!) However, I’m starting to think spring and summer just might bring good things for all of us.

***************

Day 66/365

Happy March! It’s coming in like a lamb around here today. However, there is a lion hiding in the midst and a bit more winter weather arriving in the next two days. Let’s just start this post like I’ve started all the winter Wednesday posts with the weather.

The Weather 

Oh, how spring and summer are teasing us! It is, however, a bit of a chilly start this morning despite the bright sunshine. It’s currently 41 degrees with a feels like temperature of 34. It’s supposed to be in the upper 50’s by around 4 PM. Then, cooler tomorrow and the start of either rain or snow, they’re still deciding. One of the local meteorologist actually said on the news last night he’d tell us this afternoon whether we needed to buy up all the bread and milk. Ha!

So, moving on….this is one of my last 3 winter Wednesday posts. Time to transition out of winter and into spring.

Some Transitions Happening Around Here

Winter to Spring, of course.

I’m happy about that with the exception of Daylight Savings Time on March 12. Can I even say it often enough? The days already get longer and shorter! Leave the time alone, please.

Heavy to Healthy

I stepped on the scale this morning. Suffice it to say the number wasn’t a favorite. And was too high on the scale for me. Don’t you wish our winter weight would fall off as easily as all our beloved pets shed their winter coats? Of course, it doesn’t. So, instead I’m over here struggling with my desire to make Lucky Charms treats for March 1 versus the knowledge we should eat the rest of the clementines.

I’m probably going to transition my winter Wednesday posts over to wellness Wednesday posts with the start of spring. (Hopefully, the grocery store won’t mind me stealing their fancy phrase.) I know Rachel over at Living Better One Day At A Time does Weigh In Wednesdays. I’m afraid she’s so much braver than me to share her weight. I won’t be doing that on my Wednesdays. Just the healthy changes I’m implementing in hopes of shedding  losing some of my weight.

Did you know March used to be the start of the calendar year? So, I’m making my fresh start for a few things today.

(I’ll probably still make the Lucky Charms bars. It’s still winter and our pantry is in desperate need of a clear-out. Just perhaps eat only one instead of half the pan? That might work.)

Yet More School Changes For J

I’ve fallen back on the phrase my mom kept on her fridge so many times during these past few years:

What is it in the light of eternity?

While this is a good change (I hope), I am still a bit sad about all the things he missed. Amazing how two kids can have such different high school experiences. The high school diploma is always the end goal and he should get that in the end. Still, I think it’s okay to be sad that the path wasn’t the one we expected. (This is where I add: stupid pandemic!)

Transitions are tough even the good ones.

Still Winter

Despite all the transitions and talk of spring, I do keep reminding myself it’s still winter. So, I’ll still take time to sit under the warm fuzzy blanket on the cold days, watch a little too much television (occasionally), and have a hot chocolate if it snows. However, I am gambling and putting away all the super heavy sweaters away sometime in the next few weeks.

Are you anxious for the lighter, brighter days of spring? Or are you soaking in the last few weeks of winter? I think I’m somewhere in the middle, mainly because we’ve had such a mild winter. If it’d been a long, snow-filled one, my answer might differ.

*******************

Day 59/365

Have you ever seen red snow? Me either. However, it’s what they call it when the hometown football team wins the Super Bowl and they cancel almost all the schools so parents/kids/staff can attend the victory parade.

Note, I said almost all schools. Most of the public schools closed for today. However, no red snow at my work where I’ll be today. Hoping we might find a way to watch the parade but if not, that’s okay as well.

The Weather

While we aren’t really getting red snow (unless it’s in the form of confetti), we are under a winter weather advisory starting at 9PM tonight. Right now though it’s pretty mild for February around here, 38 degrees and cloudy.

*********

Hopefully, I’ll be spending part of this winter Wednesday outside with the preschool kids before the weather moves into our area. (I know it says 9PM tonight but they don’t always get the timing of things right around here)

Is it odd that I don’t have spring fever any more? And wouldn’t mind just a touch of winter weather? I thought it was so strange yesterday driving through the park how it still looks like fall and not winter even now near the end of the season. (32 days if you’re counting down to spring)

Yesterday, I lost my voice, it’s still pretty scratchy and I’m pretty tired today. Looking forward to the end of the day when I can come home and relax for a few days at least.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to share posts that are bit more polished the next few days as well. And of course, visit all of you. Trying to sneak a few visits in the this morning but I do need to watch my time!

What are you doing on this winter Wednesday?

****************

Day 45/365

Super quick post while I wait for my husband’s birthday cake to cool this afternoon. Ended up working this morning so lots I still need to do.

First, let’s check….

The Weather

It’s cloudy and with a chill in the air but still warm enough that I could run outside coatless a minute ago without feeling terrible. Current temperature is 42. Supposed to rain later this afternoon/evening so it’s pretty cloudy outside right now as well.

Fevers

Two kinds of fevers currently sweeping across our city with our temperatures pretty warm for February. And no snow. So strange. I’m still cautious about a late season storm. Anyway, the first fever is of course, Super Bowl Fever with the Chiefs in the big game. As far as I can tell, the main symptoms of that one are almost everyone wearing Chiefs gear and being in a good mood. Spirit weeks a plenty at the schools.

The second kind of fever is more in line with this post: Spring Fever. I’ve tried pretty hard to appreciate winter this year. However, the weather really didn’t cooperate. And if the weather is going to be lovely and not cooperate, I just want to move on to Spring.

Thankfully, my friends last night did tell me it was too soon to uncover all my spring bulbs and to leave my mulched leaves on top for a few more weeks. So, I’ll just continue to enjoy my store-bought hyacinths instead. And go on dreaming of when I can start planting all this:

And lots more seeds not pictured.

Do you have spring fever?

***************

day 38/365

Happy February! A winter Wednesday post might be better tomorrow for Groundhog day. However, I’m sticking with today in case the little rodent sees his shadow.

Shadow equals six more weeks of winter. No shadow predicts early spring. Farmer’s Almanac daily newsletter says spring is 46 days away no matter what happens tomorrow.

What does any of that have to do with soup? Nothing. I do start each winter Wednesday post with the weather though. And our weather is better than a lot of those to the south of us.

Today’s Weather:

It’s currently sunny and 10 degrees with a windchill/feels like temperature of 1 degree out there. Honestly, didn’t think it felt that bad when I ran J to school earlier. By 3pm, it’s supposed to be 37 degrees.

Now Let’s Talk About Soup:

Sometimes, especially in the winter, I crave vegetables! More often than I should admit, this craving usually manifests in a strong desire for a spring roll from Panda Express. It’s a mixed blessing living in an urban area where grocery stores and restaurants are so readily available.

However, sometimes only soup will do. When I’m craving comfort soup loaded with vegetables, my favorite choice is minestrone. It’s such an adaptable soup. I use this recipe for my base. It comes together quick. This time I added in some zucchini. Whatever vegetables I have on hand typically get tossed into the soup.

Look at those vegetables!

This soup is a good one in the late summer/early fall with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden as well.

Of course, I don’t get to make it very often as the picky family is not as fond. G flat out is not a fan of soup. He tolerates this because it has pasta but he’d never choose it. My husband adds hamburger to his portion which is okay but ruins the idea of a fresh vegetable based soup in my mind. J and I both like it though it’s not his favorite. (He’s more a chicken noodle or potato soup kind of person).

Winter Dinners

There is definitely a comfort in winter soups and dinners not to be found during the spring/summer months. My mom always made chili in the heat of summer (100 degrees, I know let’s have chili for dinner!) and I never understood.

Summer is for lighter fare.

Of course, I must confess that yesterday I stood outside in 25 degree weather and grilled pork chops so I guess I shouldn’t talk.

Anyway, I do find soup something to enjoy about winter. Minestrone, taco, chicken noodle, and potato are among my favorites. And of course, you definitely need some sort of crusty bread with the minestrone and potato soups!

What is your favorite winter meal?

***********

Day 32/365

It’s another Winter Wednesday. Today feels slightly more like winter but not by much.

Today’s Weather:

It’s gray and rainy out though not exactly a downpour. 

While I still feel like we need an actual snow day, I admit I’m glad it’s not today. G started back to college classes and most of his classes are on campus this semester which means a 30 minute drive. J’s getting back into the swing of going to classes at the high school as well. Still waiting for the day when I don’t have to hold my breath each morning. (Still gathering my thoughts for a potential post on that whole saga)

So what am I doing today? Had lots of plans but in reality, I’m…

Moving Slow

Didn’t sleep great so I’m not full of as much energy as I’d like. Drinking coffee, eating double-toast (at least I only topped one batch with the lemon curd!). Trying to catch up on reading my book. At the point where I’m deciding if I even want to continue it.

Cleaning House

I realized earlier that I’m not a spring cleaning or fall cleaning person. However, I do seem to get the desire to give the house a good cleaning in the middle of January! Gave some actual much needed attention to the bathroom floor. We won’t talk about the last time that one happened. Kitchen floor is up next.

Have a bit of extra motivation today as I agreed to let my friend come and practice her sales pitch. She doesn’t expect me to buy anything (we clarified everything at Mom’s Night Out) and really she’s helping me a bit as well. I can not remember the last time I had a friend over here for anything.

It makes me a bit sad as I used to be quite good at hospitality and somewhere along the last 2 years, possibly longer, I lost my touch. Became too caught up in what the house looked like and what people would think. Time to get over that and get back to having people over again.  That said, I definitely do need to clean it before tomorrow afternoon as I really don’t want my friend to think I’ve started living in a pigsty.

Other Random Bits

• According to my Farmer’s Almanac newsletter this morning, Spring is exactly 60 days away!
• Trying to decide if I want to attend a winter gardening class at the same place I went to see the Christmas trees last week: Supplies all provided; You will be able to take home 2 containers of winter sown seeds. Winter sowing is a simple, low-care way to provide the best conditions for native seeds to germinate into seedlings using a process called stratification. In spring, you will need to transplant the seedlings into small pots to grow them larger before they go into the ground.
• My Sam’s Club blanket is in the dryer, hoping it turns out better than the Kohl’s blankets. I think it is going to be fine. Quickly becoming my favorite blanket.
• I let my oldest son take my car to the college campus this morning and he just called, he’s stopping by Quicktrip (local convenience store/gas station) and he’s getting me a pretzel. Hooray, no worries about lunch today.
• Today was trash day, why on a rainy day? Nothing worse than the empty containers filling up with water. Well, at least in the winter, no mosquito worries I suppose.

What are you doing on this winter Wednesday with 60 days to go until spring?

**********

day 18/365

It’s hard to work on appreciating winter when it doesn’t feel like it outside. At all.

Current Weather:

48 degrees and mostly clear. However, it was in the mid 50’s earlier today. So warm that I just had a jacket on as I took my walk. Didn’t need gloves to take photos as my hands weren’t cold. AND I was so hot after I finished, I took my jacket off and ran the air in the car for a bit.

It is supposed to rain overnight and drop us back into the mid 30’s for tomorrow.

Unpaved and Paved Trails Today

I went to a place called George Owens Nature Park today to see decorated Christmas tree cutouts.  It’s an annual fundraiser where local groups or individuals buy and then decorate wooden shapes to raise money for a local charitable organization. The cutouts are then displayed along a trail at the park. They’ve done snowmen, snowglobes, and gingerbread houses in years past. This year, Christmas trees. 

I have lots of other tree photos to share. However, when I started down this easy paved trail, a voice (an echo of my 25 year old self perhaps?) said take the unpaved trail! So I did.

Unpaved Trail Images

What are you doing in the middle of the woods Mr. Hawk?

Looking for butterflies?

Trail stops with this sign.

Pretty view on the return trip though. Looks more like fall than winter to me. Felt like it as well. 

And now a few images from the paved trail (Note: I’m saving all the Christmas tree cutout pictures for tomorrow’s post).

Paved Trail

Even with the weather in the mid 50’s, I still found a snowman!

Not sure why he was lurking by the bridge.

The birds at the bird feeders were happy. And far away from that hawk on the unpaved trail!

I bumped into the new naturalist who showed me a wood duck nesting site. (Had to walk off the paved path and into the picnic area to see it) It’s the hole in the tree with the grass coming out of it.

Always see geese down by the lake (saw 3 ducks as well but no decent photos)

Time for a rest.

Actually, it was time to go home and cook dinner.

***************

day 11/365

Just a short post today. Another busy work day. Yesterday was cold! Not crazy cold but windy and cold. Regular winter weather I suppose.

Today’s predicted weather (putting this one together on Tuesday night)

On Tuesday: it was cloudy, windy, and cold all day today but really the temperature was in the 40’s after a high in the upper 50’s at midnight. For Wednesday: Predicted high of 46 and mostly cloudy all day once again.

Sweaters

I like a good sweater in cold weather.   

And I got curious about why they’re called sweaters. Lazy google research says: they were worn by rowers and intended to “produce sweating and reduce weight” More info here (source) 

******************

Day 4/365