Monthly Musings - Winter Joys

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Monthly Musings is all about winter again this month, and some of our favorite winter things. Even if we don't always love winter, there's always something about it to love, right? Holly at Pink Lady and Patty at Good Better Best co-host this monthly sharing of tips, tricks, and conversation starters.

1. What do you do in the winter that brings you joy?

I haven't had a lot of opportunity to do it this year, but I like to watch the birds at the feeders in winter. Especially when cardinals, blue jays, or woodpeckers come by and offer a bit of color contrast to the grey or white. Even the chickadees and juncos or quite a contrast. But my feeders don't have prime location here, and I don't have the leisure to sit and watch during the daytime. I do take joy in the snow when it's fresh!

2. How do you stay warm and cozy?

We have flannel sheets, like we talked about last month, and I have extra blankets around. In the winter, I wear socks almost all the time, which is something I don't do when the weather is warmer! (And for whatever reason, I've never got in the habit of wearing slippers.) Just before Christmas I bought myself this flannel shacket that I've been wearing All.The.Time!

3. What are you looking forward to this winter?

At this point, I have to be honest and say I'm looking forward to it being over. I've had about enough!

4. Favorite wintertime activities?

Staying inside where it's warm! haha. I do like winter walks as long as it's not windy, and of course winter is a great time to watch hockey.

5. Favorite months of winter?

I guess December and February. December should feel wintery, because Christmas! I like having snow in December because it just adds to the festive holiday feeling. And I like February, because it's a short month and winter is almost over. In past years, it seemed like we got the coldest snap and the biggest snow in February but that was in Maryland. Not sure the trend will hold in Ohio.

6. Favorite dishes to make in winter?

Chili and hearty casseroles seem to be my go-to. I love lasagna but haven't made one yet this year. 

7. Gas or wood-burning fireplace?

For the look and sound and vibe, you can't beat a wood-burning fireplace and that's what I prefer. But, the thing is, somebody has to build and tend that fire, so the gas fireplace is awesome for ease of use! We have a gas fireplace here, but it doesn't really produce much heat so we don't use it often.

Photo from last Christmas so things have changed,
but this is our current gas fireplace.

This is an OLD photo of the gas fireplace at our
house in Maryland, where we also had a 
woodburning stove in the basement family room.

8. Favorite winter hot beverage?

Coffee, as always!

9. Favorite winter movies?

I'm not much of a movie buff, so I think my winter movies would be the same as my Christmas movies! So let's see, what movies that I especially like do I associate with winter . . . White Christmas, Babette's Feast, Groundhog Day . . . 

10. How do you stay healthy in winter?

I stick with my basic vitamins all winter, and at the first sign of anything like a cold, I take an immune support supplement. Having a humidifer going in the bedroom helps as well. I've managed to stay pretty healthy during winters for the past several years, so I guess whatever I'm doing is working for me.

What brings you joy during the winter? Leave a comment and let me know!

I'm linking up with Monthly Musings hosted by Holly at Pink Lady and Patty at Good Better Best.

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