Tag Archives: winter

My low-key winter

16 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, libraries, pets, Warm fuzzy, writing

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In an earlier post, readers were introduced to reckless joys and activities emerging from my brat summer.

Now seven months into retirement, I am appreciating less commuting, less stress … and less wants as a result of having less income.

I have been enjoying weekly walks on different days with two different friends, exploring our community, breathing in the fresh air, visiting local thrift shops and obtaining groceries on our way home. I appreciate getting out for volunteer activities and short jaunts to local stores for necessities. Some days I need more motivation. That’s why it’s good to have walking buddies who push you to stay on schedule.

Woman standing in front of a huge snow pile in a local parking lot

The above parking lot scene illustrates the challenge with snow removal after recent snowstorms in our region. With recent street parking restrictions by the City of Ottawa, I am so relieved that I do not have to worry about where to safely shelter a vehicle.

Tabby Cat observing Lunar New Year

As usual, I managed my seasonal depression by embracing colours, aromas and friendships while preparing for the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. I also participated in home cooking experiments with the Resident Millennial.

Preparing Chinese dumplings with the Resident Millennial

One unexpected, heart-warming encounter in January was an email received from a hopeful writer who found mention of my (Flo’s) novel online and requested to purchase a copy. I had to inform him that I had no more printed copies and had removed the electronic version in 2024. I was tickled pink yet cautious about this request. You can read about it at the novel’s blog.

Walking path through deep snow in a local park

As we navigate paths and obstacles in this deep and brutal winter, let us be optimistic that spring will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere in five weeks.

Let us dream about new places to visit in Canada this summer.

Let us continue to be kind and supportive of those in need.

Thank you for stopping by.

T

Winter nesting during the pandemic

28 Monday Dec 2020

Posted by in Health, philosophy, reading, therapy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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I am a homebody and an especially unadventurous one during this pandemic.

With winter here and the holidays almost done, I would hibernate between January 2nd and March 20th if I could.

How about you?

I love my humble home aka le petit apartment. I don’t love having to share a communal laundry room that is constantly unkempt and vandalized by n’er-do-wells. I have written another firm email to our landlord contacts about this months-long frustration.

I am drafting my 2021 goals and updating my five year plan. One item that is becoming more of a priority is to move to a cleaner, secure rental. Ten years since the last move, I will once again use a methodical project management approach. I don’t know how possible travel will be in the next couple of years so I think we can afford the move.

Finding an affordable, secure rental is nearly impossible these days. You’re looking at nearly $2,000 per month for a decent place to accommodate two or three people AND include laundry facilities en suite. I do not want to purchase a condo or house because they come with responsibilities, maintenance and added expenses.

During the extended holiday weekend, I sifted through a few shelves, boxes and file folders in my bedroom. It was a tedious, dusty task done in a relaxed manner, with me retaining the items that held some importance, then shredding, recycling or tossing those that did not.

In the New Year, I will take down the wee Christmas tree, lights and decorations, to place them into their tidy storage bins.

But what about those Christmas cards? Do you keep them for years and years? I will likely bundle them with their envelopes and label with “Christmas 2020” then stuff them into a shoe box with others. Part of me seems to think they will have archival significance in 50 years. I will likely acquiesce to let go of them during the final sweep before the big move.

Just a couple of the bookcases stuffed with books and other things

Enjoy this essay and audio clip from CBC radio’s Tapestry : How we’ve nested in our homes through the pandemic — and why it might be good for us

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/making-your-home-and-the-holidays-special-in-a-pandemic-1.5842263/how-we-ve-nested-in-our-homes-through-the-pandemic-and-why-it-might-be-good-for-us-1.5842274

I don’t have a label maker but I make use of old sticky labels and colourful postits to identify contents of boxes 🙂 I refuse to buy more shelving units to hold excess belongings. According to one of the experts, I should do something about those topless baskets 😀

Thanks for dropping by. What are you up to during the holidays while preparing for a hopeful, healthy 2021?

T

Half-way through the February blues

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in community, education, Health, pets, philosophy, reading, therapy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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It has been four months since my previous post. Life has been busy but not eventful enough to warrant the pixels and time.

Recent world news and national events could encourage one to curl up and hide in a hole until spring.

  • COVID-19
  • Forest fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes
  • Railway blockades, fossil fuel pipeline disputes, indigenous rights
  • Political circus and acquitted clown in the USA
  • Shitty public transit service in our nation’s capital

My Saturday routines include picking up a couple of newspapers so I can disconnect from social media for a few hours over the weekend and read content that I trust has gone through the process of professional journalistic editing and publishing.

I still practice gratitude as I go about the daily mundaneness, working for a living, surviving the winter, and being strategic with workday bus commutes.

This cute little book brought me comfort and advice to get through winter in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect size for bus reading. You might like it too.

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30045683-the-little-book-of-hygge

book page pronounce hygge as hooGa

Hygge – pronounced Hoo Ga

I find comfort and pleasure in sharing meals and conversation with family and friends. I find purpose in volunteering, caring for the elderly diabetic cat and recently, one injured offspring who came home for a few days of nursing and Motherly love.

I find joy as I correspond with my offspring and offshoots. I find hope as I continue my part-time college education where I learn new things, make new friends and prepare for Career 2.0.

Although I haven’t written much of substance lately, I still engage with friends and followers through social media posts, comments and shares. You can follow some of my creative writing and doodling posts over at the blog where the Tabby Cat rules.

In the meantime, you might enjoy some Little Blonde Jots. I bought these cute little key ring tabs (plus a few other items) from a friend to support his downsizing efforts a few years ago. They prove handy to carry around, where I can jot down thoughts while waiting for buses, people watching or contemplating life.

Little Blonde Jots

Little Blonde Jots, words of wisdom and observations

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you are enjoying and appreciating what rays of sunshine and hope you encounter in your corner of the world.

See you in the spring.

T