Last updated on January 27th, 2020
HOW DO YOU STAY SANE IN WINTER, when it’s too cold to play outside? By growing Saintpaulias (mine, up top, flourish under fluorescents) and other flowering houseplants? By winter-sowing hardy seeds? By cooking something delicious? Or, do you simply hibernate with a good book?
In the comments field below, tell us what you’re cooking, growing, crafting, reading or watching these days. It’s a good way for us to get to know each other, as we await the imminent sweetness of spring.
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Katreader says
While I could…make that should…be taking care of houseplants, generally I hibernate during the winter. Don't get me wrong-I love the cold (hate the heat) but I don't do much. I'll be reading (as I always do, primarily mysteries and paranormal romances), crafting (rubber stamping and more) taking care of the animals, and going to work. I've also taken up a challenge and am writing a book-a cozy mystery! Oh right now I'm reading Cook the Books by the mother/daughter duo Jessica Conant-Park & Susan Conant-a culinary mystery.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Katreader – actually, it sounds like you stay extraordinarily busy in winter! Your projects sound intriguing – including rubber stamping and mystery-novel-writing. Thanks for the tip on “Cook the Books” — seems like a fun read.
Terry says
I generally do a lot of “thinking”. Thinking about the coming spring and what I should do outside in the garden, planning what vegetables to plant. Inside I do a lot of rearranging and cleaning out. I am reading the Omnivore's Dilemma too (thanks Kevin!) and soon I hope to be making some soap. My website business usually picks up a little during the winter, so I haven't had a chance to make that soap yet. I hope to also set up a place to start some seeds indoors and some winter sown seeds.
Stephie McCarthy says
Hi, Kevin, I have some beautiful scarlet impatiens blooming non-stop at the moment under florescent lights.I read fun blogs, I work as an illustrator/designer which puts color in these dark days, I read everyday in spare moments, AND make long lists and garden plans for winter and indoors sowing. Just now reading about 2 girls who hiked the Appalachian Trail twice barefoot!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Terry – I'm doing a lot of thinking, too. Like, what and how much to plant this year. My goal is to avoid the supermarket as much as possible.
Stephie – welcome! Aren't impatiens even more spectacular when viewed indoors, at close range? I love both the singles and “rosebud” doubles as wintertime houseplants.
And, 'Adventures of the Barefoot Sisters' sounds like a great read…I'll have to put that on my list.
Brigid O'Brien says
I got a really great recipe from a local woman in Valatie for pork roast with spinach stuffing. It's outrageous. The stuffing is made with fresh spinach, a little sage and flavored bread crumbs sauteed in extra virgin olive oil. You cut the top of the pork roast and stuff it in and over the top. Then cook it for the appropriate time. It is absolutely delicious.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Brigid – The stuffing sounds fab. I'd never thought of combining spinach and sage…although these two “greens” are among my favorites!
Renee says
I live in Georgia, so winters are generally mild here. Not this one, however, as we have been pummeled with several inches of snow since Christmas Day! We are definitely NOT used to this kind of winter, but my family has been staying sane by playing video games and board games together (Pictionary is a favorite), making simple crafts, and making desserts! My 4 year old has helped me make a banana pudding and cookies with homemade chocolate frosting. In the spring we will have to get out our bikes and ride, ride, ride, but for now we are happy!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Renee – you seem to have a very joyous household, no matter the weather! Yum to that homemade chocolate frosting.
By the way, it's only 12F here as I write this. Does that make you feel any warmer?!
Bonnie says
Keven, I found your blog through Cold Climate Gardening's directory.
I turn my back enclosed porch into a mini-conservatory. I used to keep it closed in the winter, but I said “what the heck.” I'll pay a little extra to heat it. I move all my houseplants out there and make it look as comfy and sunny as possible. I sit out there and write stories for children, as yet-unpublished. If I hibernate, I get depressed.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Bonnie – Welcome to A Garden for the House. Sounds like your enclosed porch is now an oasis of divine proportion. What are you growing there?
Personally, my window gardens
keep me from going berserk in winter. I can't imagine living without greenery and blooming plants — no matter the season.
I hope you'll visit again.