Leaves turn, home fires burn

Fleece and flannel, friends and family

Brighten damp days

We may be into the really rainy days, but don’t let the grey make you gloomy!

Get your good rain gear and Sou’wester on, go for a walk. Make tea. Cook a big pot of soup or stew. Stoke the wood stove or start the gas or electric fireplace.

Plant bulbs outside, or pot-force a  bulb inside. Grow herbs on your window sill. Pick out seeds for next year’s garden. Plan your elk and deer defense.

Preheat covers with a heating pad. Go to bed and wake up early. It always seems darker and wetter at night and when you are tired. Is the power out? Let your imagination brighten the day and night! Get the flashlights and battery-powered lanterns handed out. Everyone wants their own—who wants to be in the dark?

Board games, puzzles, crafts, and books keep the kids busy while candles and oil lamps are lit, fires are built, and generators (hopefully) start. Get the fondue pot out, pop corn over the fire, bake foil-wrapped apples or potatoes on coals. An old fashioned hot water bottle makes for a cozy night’s sleep!

Snow days are way better than school days! Be ready with mittens, gloves, hats, boots, hand-warmers, shovels and sleds.  Clear the drive and walkway to warm up for sledding.

Find a safe hill and have a great ride!  Build snow people and animals!  Snow forts and igloos are fun too, the summer kids pool can double as a roof!

Had enough of the Winter Wonderland? Then slurp hot cider or cocoa, cut out paper snowflakes or trace cookie cutters to color.  A warm fire and a hot bath make for the soundest sleep ever.

Remember: Without fail, the days will begin to get longer starting on December 23.  Soon after, trees will bud and crocus will bloom. Before you know it, it will be spring again.

• Wendy Thomas is co-owner of Carmichael’s True Value Hardware in downtown Snoqualmie with her husband, Brian Woolsey. You can check out their selection of items to make for a warmer, safer winter, by stopping by at 8150 Falls Ave. S.E.

 

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