Bracing for Winter

[Buh4Bee]

Up here in the northern hemisphere, winter is coming. The change in the season can bring on the blues or for some an affective seasonal disorder. I have been down around November in past years. What kinds of healthy habits do people have to try to stay joyful during the dark months? :ack2:

Things that are often suggested:
sun lamp
vitamins
exercise
eating well
reading

Anything new and original?

Thanks for reading!

[Buh4Bee]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[papayahed]

We're still in the 80's. My mind isn't there yet.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

I'm betting that our months aren't nearly as long and cold as yours, but still long enough that we get a taste of cabin fever.
Some thoughts...

-Do you have a hearth? - I enjoy sitting by the fire reading and periodically stepping out on very cold nights for a walk.
-Sketching, painting
-Photography
-Reading of course
-Do you receive much snow where you live? If so, perhaps cross country skiing if you are able.
-Woods or trail nearby? - a hike in snow covered woods is nice
-Do you have an interest in astronomy? The atmosphere tends to be clearer during cold winter nights revealing more stars, planets, etc. Orion is a magnificent winter constellation.

If I think of more, I'll pass them along.

Gg

[Sirin]

Strong alcohol, mulled wine, black tea, faithful pipe and a thick book always helps me to survive the cold Russian winter.

[togre]

A schnifter of black-berry brandy can be bracing...and it can double as cough syrup if you self medicate. In moderation, of course.

Fresh air is always at a premium once heaters are needed. Bundle up and get outside when you can.

A bay window facing south where you can bask in the sunlight, even when it's bitter cold would be ideal. I haven't had once since my childhood, but if you get one let your inner cat out--stretch out and take a nap.

Have an indoor hat. Preferably an ugly or obnoxious one. (Mine is a red flannel with ear flaps--snugglely and warm) Wear it when you're mopey. Wear it when you're sick. Wear it when you're cold.

[Helga]

it's those dark winter months that make me happy so I don't need any remedy, just look at the stars and sit outside in the cold (in a blanket and warm clothes) with a cup of tea and enjoy it! here on the ice it doesn't get dark at all in the summer, it's sun all night long so I am happy when I see the stars.

[The Comedian]

Bracing for winter is more of a mood for me. Having a fine stack of wood and a fireplace is, to me, essential. In our less hectic evenings, I always make a fire for the girls to sit. Later, the Mrs. and I read by the fire or chat about the day.

Oh, another thing! Winter is the time for cooking good food. In the summer, we mostly cook simple, easy food. But the winter is the time to break out the stews, chillis, and all the warm and hearty meals that were omitted from the summer-time table.

We also plan more social parties in the winter time -- from inviting friends over for drinks, to dinner, to evenings out, I think winter is better with friends.

And defiantly find an outdoor activity to enjoy. Personally, I love to cross-country ski. I love it so much that I look forward to the winter snow just so I can get out on my skis again. I also VASTLY prefer cross-country skiing to down hill.

Cross country skiing is:


practically free (compared to down hill)
easier to access (there are many local trails a few minutes from my house)
quiet
the smell of new snow in the pines and the silence of the winter woods is as lovely a thing as one is likely to encounter and as addicting as a second cup of coffee.


And a little more red-necky, but have you ever gone ice-fishing? It's fun and my girls love it. I have a small, portable "tent" and a propane heater and we go out on the ice to fish and play around.

Okay, that's about it. But winter is a great season and gets far too bad a reputation.

[JuniperWoolf]

Outdoor winter stuff is great. I like roasting marshmallows over a campfire with a bunch of people.

[Vonny]

And defiantly find an outdoor activity to enjoy. Personally, I love to cross-country ski. I love it so much that I look forward to the winter snow just so I can get out on my skis again. I also VASTLY prefer cross-country skiing to down hill.

Cross country skiing is:


practically free (compared to down hill)
easier to access (there are many local trails a few minutes from my house)
quiet
the smell of new snow in the pines and the silence of the winter woods is as lovely a thing as one is likely to encounter and as addicting as a second cup of coffee.


You have that last sentence right! I like cross-country and down hill. Winter is the time to get much stronger.

The air smells fresher in winter.

I sleep better with the longer nights, and when I know it's snowing outside.

I love the quiet of winter when we're snowed in.

I don't have trouble until spring, if it's very long and dreary.

[Buh4Bee]

My friend quilts all winter.

[Lokasenna]

I love winter - favourite season, no question. Hot drinks, stargazing, going for walks through the snowy woods, roaring fires - what's not to like?

[Scheherazade]

Migrating to warmer climes is the best solution probably if you happen to live in the UK.
I find the winter very taxing in this country... When it is really cold and snows, I am back in my element; I feel rejuvenated but otherwise it is so dull that I feel I lose the will to live day by day.

[Hurricane]

I love winter. Hot cider, skiing, snowshoeing, winter clothes (boots and scarves!), cold weather, snow...it's great. Just need to toss a few sandbags in the back of my truck and I'll be good to go!

[Emil Miller]

Migrating to warmer climes is the best solution probably if you happen to live in the UK.
I find the winter very taxing in this country... When it is really cold and snows, I am back in my element; I feel rejuvenated but otherwise it is so dull that I feel I lose the will to live day by day.

It's the only solution, and as for losing the will to live day by day, you are not alone but one of about 62 million others. English winters are not merely dull, they are tedious beyond imagining. Forget the log fires, toasted muffins, and snow-covered fields etc etc., they are mostly figments of Charles Dickens imagination and the wishful thinking of his readers.

[Vonny]

Oh why don't I just sleep, walk through the snowy woods, sit by the fire and drink tea? What's wrong with me? :crazy:


edit: and read


Forget the log fires, toasted muffins, and snow-covered fields etc etc., they are mostly figments of Charles Dickens imagination and the wishful thinking of his readers.

Wait a minute Emil - you've got something wrong for a change!

[Scheherazade]

It's the only solution, and as for losing the will to live day by day, you are not alone but one of about 62 million others. English winters are not merely dull, they are tedious beyond imagining. Forget the log fires, toasted muffins, and snow-covered fields etc etc., they are mostly figments of Charles Dickens imagination and the wishful thinking of his readers.Emil, did you just agree with something I said?

*circles the date on her calendar*

[Emil Miller]

Emil, did you just agree with something I said?

*circles the date on her calendar*

Well I couldn't disagree on this one but, for those of us fortunate enough not to have to work, my answer to the UK winter is to hibernate. The sole saving grace of our winter months is that the long dark mornings means that we can sleep a lot longer than would otherwise be the case and, in my view, that's their only justification.

[OrphanPip]

At least you don't have to shovel 4 feet of snow out of the walkway just to get to the street.

[Emil Miller]

Oh why don't I just sleep, walk through the snowy woods, sit by the fire and drink tea? What's wrong with me? :crazy:


edit: and read



Wait a minute Emil - you've got something wrong for a change!

Well it may be like that in the US but winter in little old England it seldom lives up to its picturesque image. Try roasting chestnuts on the central heating.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I agree with the thoughts about winter in the UK, horrible. I'm sat here typing this and I'm freezing. I'm about to go in the bath and when I come out I'll be even more so. Drafts. It is getting absolutely impossible getting out of bed in the morning as well, nightmare. I need to get some more winter clothes this weekend as I only own two jumpers and one glove. Never mind, only another 6 or so months of this to go...horrid.

If I win the lotto tonight, hmm, I'll send you a postcard from the Med.

I also have a theory about human semi-hibernation in the winter, must look into that.

My tea has gone cold again and I've only had it two minutes.

Sorry, I'll have to think of some positives.

[Vonny]

Well it may be like that in the US but winter in little old England it seldom lives up to its picturesque image. Try roasting chestnuts on the central heating.

I forgot for a minute that you don't even get snow.


Pip is right about shoveling all that snow. And then having to go to work in the dark and get off work after dark can get difficult. Still, all in all, winter is a more restful time for me than summer.

Neely, #1 tip - Keep your home warm. And avoid electric forms of heating when possible as they create moisture, yuck. I like dry heat.

Drafts - your homes aren't built for winter.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I forgot for a minute that you don't even get snow.


Pip is right about shoveling all that snow. And then having to go to work in the dark and get off work after dark can get difficult. Still, all in all, winter is a more restful time for me than summer.

Neely, #1 tip - Keep your home warm. And avoid electric forms of heating when possible as they create moisture, yuck. I like dry heat.

Drafts - your homes aren't built for winter.

Oh we get bits of snow (that causes national emergencies) but that's not the problem. It's the cold and dark and everything else that's the pain.

Well this house is not built for winter and it's still about a thousand times better than my dad's house, but I'll not go into that just now.

Yes I prefer the open fire and dislike electric heating - it doesn't help my dust allergy, however as Emil says there are no roasting chestnuts, only freezing ones.

[Emil Miller]

I agree with the thoughts about winter in the UK, horrible. I'm sat here typing this and I'm freezing. I'm about to go in the bath and when I come out I'll be even more so. Drafts. It is getting absolutely impossible getting out of bed in the morning as well, nightmare. I need to get some more winter clothes this weekend as I only own two jumpers and one glove. Never mind, only another 6 or so months of this to go...horrid.

If I win the lotto tonight, hmm, I'll send you a postcard from the Med.

I also have a theory about human semi-hibernation in the winter, must look into that.

My tea has gone cold again and I've only had it two minutes.

Sorry, I'll have to think of some positives.

A couple of years ago, the Science Museum in London had an exhibition on why humans hibernate in the winter. I suppose that relates to those who don't have to break their sleep in order to work. I have just been listening to a BBC 4 programme called 'Saving the Earth', and next week's programme is entitled, 'How will Britain survive a third severe winter?'
Keep playing the lottery



I forgot for a minute that you don't even get snow.



Oh, we get snow from time to time but, thankfully, it doesn't last long and, after a period when the streets become clogged with blackened slush, it melts and people are able to get around normally.

[Buh4Bee]

Winter is a drag. It is hard to get the cheerleader outfit and get excited. The lack of sun drives me crazy- and getting out into the cold is so hard! I am used to always being cold, so that doesn't really bother me, but the sheer layering is a pain in the arse. I mean it takes an extra 10 minutes to get the boots out find the right pair of gloves with the matching hat. The you have to deal with the car and the snow. Pip knows. I can drive to Montreal in a little over an hour. It snows a lot.

Healthy habits:
Read, drink alcohol, ski, drink, read, snowshoe, drink hot chocolate with a little brandy or something like that, read, sit in the fire, and drink more.

I mean, really healthy...

[LitNetIsGreat]

A couple of years ago, the Science Museum in London had an exhibition on why humans hibernate in the winter. I suppose that relates to those who don't have to break their sleep in order to work. I have just been listening to a BBC 4 programme called 'Saving the Earth', and next week's programme is entitled, 'How will Britain survive a third severe winter?'
Keep playing the lottery


Well, my hibernation theory goes something along the lines that because Iron Age man would need to conserve energy and food during the harsh winter months, they would probably adopt a semi-hibernative state. This would be greatly advantageous - keeping warm and needing to take in less food which would have been naturally harder to come by. I hypothesize, therefore, that our original human ancestors could have survived with approximately 50% less calories. To conclude in this then, our modern way of life means that we are going against our evolutionary instincts by having to jump out of bed when it is dark and freezing in order to get to work, shuffling paper or telling off children.

I vote for a return to the scientifically proven semi-hibernative state. This would save money on anti-depressants and sick days. Why can't they just let us all go into work two hours later every day?*

* Actually I answered this question for Mrs Neely and told her that this country even worked out the money lost in tax for the 5 minutes people spent watching the solar eclipse that we had about 10 years ago, so what do you think the chances of that are?

Yes thanks, I always get nothing on the lottery, always sod all. Two lines and nothing. Not even the bonus ball. Would love to stay and ramble on but I can't even feel my feet! Such joy winter is. Doesn't it look pretty on a postcard?

[Buh4Bee]

good luck with the lottery, Neeley! If you lose, maybe you can drink something warm to keep the drafts away.

[Vonny]

Healthy habits:
..... drink alcohol .... sit in the fire, and drink more.

Wait a minute, that sounds like me! A little confusion.

I do have to be careful I don't end up in the fire!

[Emil Miller]

... our modern way of life means that we are going against our evolutionary instincts by having to jump out of bed when it is dark and freezing in order to get to work, shuffling paper or telling off children.

Why can't they just let us all go into work two hours later every day?*

Neely, for more years than you can remember, I would ask myself that question every working day. I never once leapt out of bed with the words "Hail smiling morn," even when I was on holiday. You are quite right, it goes against the grain to break one's sleep because, obviously, if someone is sleeping, it's because they need to be.
The nine to five routine is strictly for insomniacs.

[Buh4Bee]

It's very cold here and one can never be warm enough.

[Helga]

It's very cold here and one can never be warm enough.

how cold is that? way below zero or??

[Emil Miller]

It's very cold here and one can never be warm enough.

The UK isn't known for it's sunshine but it is relatively temperate. Apart from family ties, which are often stronger in some people than others, I couldn't stand living in perpetual cold and would emigrate to somewhere warmer. I could have no allegiance to a country that had a really hostile climate.

[Buh4Bee]

The weather can get as cold as -20 below at night. That's extreme though. The winter weather is usually in the high teens to twenties. I do live in four seasons and winter only last about 5 months. Secretly, I love winter. I have learned to tolerate it. The key is to layer and get in the sun everyday. I am a great patriot and have great allegiance to my corner of the country. It's good to gather other ideas to help tolerate a situation better.

[Emil Miller]

The weather can get as cold as -20 below at night. That's extreme though. The winter weather is usually in the high teens to twenties. I do live in four seasons and winter only last about 5 months. Secretly, I love winter. I have learned to tolerate it. The key is to layer and get in the sun everyday. I am a great patriot and have great allegiance to my corner of the country. It's good to gather other ideas to help tolerate a situation better.

I must say you are welcome to the winter. Here in the UK, the perpetual grey skies and biting winds lie like a thick blanket on the human spirit. I am unable to find a single benefit throughout the waking day that winter has to offer.

[Delta40]

Ahh the southern hemisphere. I'm bracing for summer. Today, 29c and it's still spring. I do miss the occasional English winter though.

[Emil Miller]

Ahh the southern hemisphere. I'm bracing for summer. Today, 29c and it's still spring. I do miss the occasional English winter though.

There are many reasons why somebody might want to leave the mess that is known as the United Kingdom but the weather is right up there at the top: as witness the growing number of people who have voted with their feet and escaped to Australia and elsewhere.

If you miss the occasional English winter, here is a little ditty to remind you how lucky you are.


http://youtu.be/jwStDK2_qpw

[Buh4Bee]

Emil, What do you do to survive this season, besides sleep?

[Emil Miller]

Emil, What do you do to survive this season, besides sleep?

Well when I eventually get up, I tend to use the computer, or listen to the radio, or play the piano, or read the newspaper, or reply ad infinitum to telephone calls from New York (don't ask why) or just go for a walk to stop my computer based legs from seizing up completely.

[Delta40]

If you miss the occasional English winter, here is a little ditty to remind you how lucky you are.


http://youtu.be/jwStDK2_qpw

Nice pics Emil. I will maybe appreciate it more when I visit in Feb/Mar 2012. In the meantime, a lifetime of air con really has its down side....

[LitNetIsGreat]

Nice pics Emil. I will maybe appreciate it more when I visit in Feb/Mar 2012. In the meantime, a lifetime of air con really has its down side....

Yes, late Feb early March will be freezing cold indeed, wrap up warm.

[Emil Miller]

Nice pics Emil. I will maybe appreciate it more when I visit in Feb/Mar 2012. In the meantime, a lifetime of air con really has its down side....

I actually posted the video as a warning. There is no way that I would want to visit any place that looked like that.
As for air conditioning, you would be much more uncomfortable without it.

[Abookinthebath]

There are many reasons why somebody might want to leave the mess that is known as the United Kingdom but the weather is right up there at the top: as witness the growing number of people who have voted with their feet and escaped to Australia and elsewhere.



Absolutely. Considered that myself earlier this year, but the damned credit crunch has crippled my £!!

Anyway, my advice would be to get the right clothes - up here we had 4 feet of snow for days last year and there were still people trying to dig their cars out in trainers and jeans!

Oh, and see it as an opportunity. I got to know all my neighbours last year as we dug each others cars out (and got a couple of bottles of wine in return as well!!).

Winter is a bit rubbish, but hey, you can't change it, so you gotta deal with it!

(Oh and at least there are no horrible noisy lawnmowers at this time of year!!!)

[Emil Miller]

[QUOTE=Abookinthebath;1083051]Absolutely. Considered that myself earlier this year, but the damned credit crunch has crippled my £!!

Winter is a bit rubbish, but hey, you can't change it, so you gotta deal with it! [QUOTE]

Yes the banking crash killed off a lot of opportunities and it's not over yet. I was looking into the possibilty of moving to the south of France but that's gone out of the window.
I don't think I could ever live in Scotland, just listening to the daily weather reports for the UK is sufficient to put off any thoughts of going there.

[Delta40]

I actually posted the video as a warning. There is no way that I would want to visit any place that looked like that.
As for air conditioning, you would be much more uncomfortable without it.

lol. The grass is always greener on the other side. I am so sick of languishing in unbearable heat and paper dry skin from air con..... but I don't underestimate what you're saying Emil.

[Emil Miller]

lol. The grass is always greener on the other side. I am so sick of languishing in unbearable heat and paper dry skin from air con..... but I don't underestimate what you're saying Emil.

Well the grass is always a lot greener here on account of the rain and lack of long-lasting sunshine. :D
I worked with a woman in the Foreign Office who emigrated to Melbourne to work for the UK government. She told me that she couldn't bear the heat and asked to be sent back to England.
However, that was years ago and the UK has gone right down since, so she is probably regretting that she didn't stay there.
Last Friday, a friend told me that a mutual acquaintance who came here from New Zealand 11 years ago has decided to go back. I told my friend that it was the wisest thing she could do as things are going to get more than a little sticky in the UK shortly and New Zealand is about as far away as she c an get without actually living at the south pole.

[MarkBastable]

I like British weather. I like its unpredictability. I like that fact that July can be chilly and then you get a five-day heatwave in October.

[Delta40]

Well the grass is always a lot greener here on account of the rain and lack of long-lasting sunshine. :D
I worked with a woman in the Foreign Office who emigrated to Melbourne to work for the UK government. She told me that she couldn't bear the heat and asked to be sent back to England.
However, that was years ago and the UK has gone right down since, so she is probably regretting that she didn't stay there.
Last Friday, a friend told me that a mutual acquaintance who came here from New Zealand 11 years ago has decided to go back. I told my friend that it was the wisest thing she could do as things are going to get more than a little sticky in the UK shortly and New Zealand is about as far away as she c an get without actually living at the south pole.

You must realize that given the size of Australia, the weather varies from state to state. Victoria is famous for its four seasons in one day weather. Qld is tropical as NT and is subject to some real storms and flooding - not that flooding doesn't occur in other states but they are particularly vulnerable. WA, the largest state is dry and hot, except for way up north where they too are subject to monsoon like weather. I believe Tasmania is as close to English weather as you're going to get. Green and lush but I am yet to travel there.

[Scheherazade]

To survive winters, one needs to have lentil soup (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50181) regularly.

[Delta40]

mmm lentil soup! yummy! Chick pea and sweet potato curry is a nice winter dish.

[Buh4Bee]

And cooking is always a great activity in the cold winter months. I love lentils with ham. I haven't made it in a while, but now I think I am armed with a new recipe.

[JuniperWoolf]

At least you don't have to shovel 4 feet of snow out of the walkway just to get to the street.

Haha, Canadian winters can be brutal. One time my breath froze my scarf to my glasses. Pretty embarassing if you have to take your gear off in front of thirty classmates.

[Scheherazade]

mmm lentil soup! yummy! Chick pea and sweet potato curry is a nice winter dish.Recipe please?

[Abookinthebath]

I don't think I could ever live in Scotland, just listening to the daily weather reports for the UK is sufficient to put off any thoughts of going there.

The only thing it has going for it is that it is PROPER weather!! If it's windy, it's a force 9 gale. If it's raining, you need an ark. If it snows, you need to hibernate and if it's sunny....well, I'll let you know!

[Emil Miller]

The only thing it has going for it is that it is PROPER weather!! If it's windy, it's a force 9 gale. If it's raining, you need an ark. If it snows, you need to hibernate and if it's sunny....well, I'll let you know!

:lol: