Hibernaculum? It's what Roman soldiers used to call their winter quarters when they took a break from looting and pillaging. These days it's more commonly a place for over-wintering plants, or the lair of a wintering animal.
I had read that the Scandinavian peoples are amongst the happiest in the world which seemed very odd as they have much "harder" winters than we do. I wondered if I too could have happier winters.
One of my great sources of inspiration was "The Gifts of Winter" by Stephanie Fitzgerald. She had started from a similar viewpoint to mine i.e Winter Is Bleugh! I actually read an article from The Guardian first. This takes several points from the book in a very short form.
This year I start with a little experience as to what helped me. I've started to batch cook and freeze some of my favourite meals for days when cooking feels like too much effort. I've dug out and added to my collection of LED candles. I've draped throws over all the chairs in the sitting room.
I've also set aside money for a treat meal each week and some flowers. It's part of my self-care.
I've batch cooked soup,and meatballs
ReplyDeleteMeatballs still to come
DeleteI've batch Cooked soup, and meatballs in tomato sauce, and porridge will be my go-to breakfast now
ReplyDeleteTomato sauce made but not meatballs. I've made several compotes to eat with porridge (or yoghurt).
DeleteI wear socks every days now, so the cooler months are here for sure, porridge every morning and loads of candles everywhere.
ReplyDeleteNot a sock wearer but the thick tights have appeared.
DeleteMade my first batch of thick winter lentil and veg soup yesterday and froze enough for three more days. Am about to spend the afternoon getting my winter tops ready and get out my boots. Catriona
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I think you are in Scotland which is not known for overly warm winters.
DeleteLast night I dug out my flannel winter pj's... so cosy I didn't want to get dressed this morning! (But I did...). My finger is hovering over the 'buy now' button for buying a copy of the Gifts of Winter book...
ReplyDeleteI've got it on Kindle and as an audiobook.
DeleteYou are so ready!
ReplyDeleteYes, I start the hibernaculum project on my birthday and end it Easter Sunday.
DeleteYou are preparing for winter in good time! I have scheduled an appointment (for tomorrow) to have my gas heater/furnace checked and my oven checked, too, since I found out that it is not working. I do most of my cooking on the stove top, but, I would like to have a working oven to bake a cake or a bread pudding. I am hoping that the oven can be fixed.
ReplyDeleteMy superb landlord had the gas and electricity safety checks done in the last few weeks and the engineers make sure everything is working well. (Gas and electricity safety checks are required by law in rented properties here but the the engineers who come to me also check my appliances if I ask.)
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