Snow Days – what to do when you’re staying inside?
Posted by: Claire | February 6, 2012
I love snow! As in love, love snow. I have ever since I was little and it still has the same magical effect on me. Watching it fall, seeing the constant stream of light, dancing flakes glide past the window, still fills me with the same joy and excitement. At the same time it also has a very calming, soothing effect, the way watching the waves of the sea does. Maybe it’s the counter-balance to my fiery nature, who knows?!
I’ve been waiting for snow this winter, hoping that we’d get some and last night it started. I know snow gets a bad reputation, especially in the UK where everything comes to a grinding halt in bad weather; but this is one of the definite advantages of being mainly house bound. I don’t have to worry about going out into, except for a wander in the garden. I can stay cuddled up inside, while everyone else has to deal with the traffic, the delays, the icy wetness. I don’t mean to sound smug, it’s just there’s very few advantages of not being able to get out much, I like to enjoy them when they come along.
Right now I’m sitting at my desk, looking out at the snow which is coming down in a rapid, powdery sheet, like rain’s prettier cousin. It’s like watching little feathers or tiny fairies getting carried down the road, racing to see who can go furthest, float lightest and then land fastest. I’ve watched as the road disappeared and the layer of white crept its way up to the curb. Almost to the top now. I’m hoping that the cars all stay tucked up in the garages, so nothing disturbs the perfect, sparkling white blanket. It makes everything look different, more beautiful and magical.
I love the silence that snow brings, the stillness in the air, the muffled sounds of the world. It’s as if everything is holding its breath in awe of this natural wonder. So I’m happy to sit here and watch the snow fall, while I sip on my nice warm mug of hot chocolate!
The question is, what do you do when it’s cold and snowy outside? Do you have any special traditions? Things you like to do, foods you eat? Having hot chocolate is one of mine and this is a delicious recipe and so easy to make.
Hot Chocolate
Serves 1
Contains Dairy
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 25g (1 oz) of good-quality plain or bitter-sweet chocolate(Bournville is my favourite)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat one cup of milk in the microwave or in a pan over the stove.
- Mix the chocolate in and stir until dissolved.
- Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream or grated chocolate on top.
Hot Chocolate by Adam Burt Flickr
From Easy to Swallow – Recipes for people with eating, chewing and swallowing problems.
(My other hat on for that site and my very first website! It looks rather basic now, I think I might have to do an update, when I find a few extra hours in the day and spare energy!)
I’d love to know what you do during the cold weather? Or if you’re in the southern hemisphere how are you coping with the heat?
Subscribe
February 8, 2012 | Amy Zellmer:
Oh how this article makes me long for a snow day! Living in MN we typically have quite a bit of snow and this year it has been unusually warm! Gre
February 9, 2012 | Beth Prewitt:
I know exactly what you mean. Never got to see snow growing up in New Orleans (except that one time!), so it’s still very magical to see now. And in Chicago, we do get to see plenty. Those snowy days when I don’t have to leave the house are just the best.
February 9, 2012 | Jessica:
Mmm…snow days here mean hot apple cider with a big dollop of whipped cream — and maybe even a fluffy cinnamon roll. Of course, I’m in Atlanta, so that doesn’t happen too often.
We also like to find new uses for couch cushions when it’s just too cold to stay out. We build forts, bounce on them, build leaning towers, you name it.
February 9, 2012 | Marjory:
Claire,
Thanks for offering us a lovely window into that special wintery moment of delight. I can feel the softness of the snow falling. Whiteness filling the earth. Divine. I remember some winters spent in Boston. I love getting warm around the fireplace, reading a book, sharing stories.
February 9, 2012 | Bri Saussy:
Claire,
I love snow too! And living in south central Texas see it rarely. Still, this post made me long for the days when I lived in Santa Fe and would curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book in the college library while the fat flakes fell!
February 10, 2012 | Marita Rahlenbeck:
Okay. I live in Minnesota. I am not fond of snow, as we typically get far too much of it. (this year we are 15 inches below average and currently there is no snow on the ground) However, your imagery sounds LOVELY. Surely I will look at the snow falling differently when it next comes.
February 21, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
The snow got too much last year when it was around for months, I think I’m glad we only have it for a few days, sometimes weeks each year. It would lose its appeal quickly!
February 10, 2012 | Michelle:
I live in Austin, TX, so we don’t get snow here (or not *real* snow anyways! I think we got 1/4″ of snow once). However, I grew up in Missouri so I’m all too familiar with snow
(Can you tell I’m not a fan?) Hot chocolate, though, I can ALWAYS get behind. Thank you for sharing your recipe and enjoy your snow days!!
February 11, 2012 | Leah:
I love snow days too! Hot Chocolate is a favorite and snuggling up with my sweetie and watching movies. Going for a snowy walk is always nice too!