In the Depths of Winter

Another cold snap is upon us - it is minus 6 degrees F. today but the sunshine and blue sky are so beautiful.

With the extreme cold, though, comes a bit of exhaustion because with a wood stove to heat our mostly not insulated home, we gather around our heat source for much of the day and dress in many layers, yet our bodies still work hard to stay warm.

I think, though, there is something so inherently human and raw in experiencing these challenges.  I know we are on constant alert - alert to the rising or falling temperature within the house, frequently checking the wood stove, going outside every 2 - 3 hours to break and fill the animals' waters, brining in more firewood, preparing warm, hearty, nourishing food.

Yet there is also a feeling of coziness - of cuddling up under blankets, reading aloud, and drinking tea.

I enjoyed reading this What Winter Teaches Us about Life at Brain Pickings.