When I woke up this morning, it was -14 degrees. It is winter in Wisconsin, and I wanted to share the positive things I love about winter. I prefer temperatures in the teens and twenties instead of negative digits, which has been the case for the last two days. One thing to be said about temperatures below freezing: they bring crisp air, blue skies, and days filled with sunshine!
Our hens love the sun. Even when it is cold, they hang out near the composting leaf pile, which must be a warm spot. Yesterday, Michael checked the nest and found a frozen-solid egg, surprising us as they rarely lay this time of year. The automatic door to the coop does not work well when it is this cold, and it needs some coaxing most mornings and evenings.
Norwegians have a positive attitude about winter and a funny saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” I agree with that; it is all about layering. You can imagine they wear wool as their warmest layer, but I find fleece a good alternative and more affordable.
Many benefits of cold weather may surprise you, such as boosting our immune systems, reducing inflammation, increasing fat burn, and reducing calories. My favorite benefits are mental clarity and rejuvenating skin. It must be true that when I return from a brisk walk, I always feel better; the cold, crisp air clears my head. I wear my ice cleats for good grip and traction on packed snow and frozen spots.
Another benefit is that the lakes are frozen. The ice is about ten inches thick, and the lakes are dotted with shanties and drilled holes with bright orange and yellow tip-ups. I keep hoping for fish sandwiches!
The birds flock to our feeders, which contain sunflower seeds and cages of homemade suet. We also have a heated bird bath for their fresh water. They provide hours of entertainment. Rabbits and squirrels are fed, and competition for food has lessened because chipmunks and bears are hibernating.
The temperature has dropped two degrees in the two hours since I wrote this blog and is now -16. Stay warm, friends and family; even in the South, I hear it is cold.
Today, I will make soup in the crockpot, bake fresh bread, and know the sun will stream through my studio window this afternoon as I work on a new painting.
Please share the benefits you enjoy about cold weather and leave your comments below. I would love to hear from you.
