That old hibernation feeling….
It happens every year at about this time. The weather breaks – today is cool and grey with periodic heavy rain showers – and my whole psyche switches towards hunkering down for the winter. I think it probably has something to do with the decrease in light levels, which I find hit me harder the older I get, but also knowing what lies in store in the months ahead.
I fill the freezer, stock up the store cupboards with the basics for a hard winter (like every good Swiss should), frantically try to get the garden cleared and put to bed for the winter before the deteriorating weather makes it a miserable cold, damp ordeal. I always end up wishing that I’d done way, way more while the sun was still shining…
Today we had a wood delivery by one of the local farmers – and the wood is now all nicely stacked up by the front door ready for the first evenings when it’s cold enough to have a log fire. I love those autumn evenings – gathering in front of a roaring blaze, reading and chatting. It’s sometimes even enough to lure the teenagers from their bedrooms to join us. I tend only to switch the heating on when the temperatures are getting really low, usually in November. Before that I let the house – which is normally very warm as it’s super well-insulated and in the middle of a row of terraces – cool down. Everyone seems to sleep better in cooler bedrooms and if the rooms get a little too cool the teenagers don’t seem to mind sitting round the dining table to do their homework, warmed by the fire in the living room.
This time of year I really have to push myself to go out. Left to my own devices I really would just lay low for a few months, sewing, baking, reading, playing the piano, working. I tend not to sign up for classes or events when I would have to go out in the evening because the driving may be iffy and really when it’s cold, dark and icy I just don’t want to go anywhere.
I’m just much more content to stay home.
Like a bear in her lair!
Helen
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Yes, after yesterday’s pottering and rearranging and today’s autumnal errands, we have retreated to candlelight, pumpkin soup, hot chocolate drinks, knitting, audiobooks and general cosiness.
My preparations have included ordering MadelineTosh wool (;o) and a Veera Välimäki pattern, just in case I run out of knitting while hibernating… LOL
Next up is getting our wood-burning stove upstairs going, too, for the ultimate state of “hygge” (great word, that!).
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:29 pm
sounds cozy to me. I love a good fireside place to sit and snuggle.
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
I know what you mean, I’m kind of halfway into hunkering down with stews and soups, and still trying to cling on to summery salads and shorter sleeves. I had to turn on the heating last night though, my windows let in terrible drafts, and the wind was killing me!
September 23rd, 2012 at 3:58 am
I think I would love your winters. I’ve always been a fall/winter person. Love the feeling of coziness that comes with cold weather in a warm house. We didn’t have much winter at all last year. Hope this year is different.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:23 pm
That is exactly how I feel today. It is cold and wet and I want a log fire roaring. Unfortunately we are missing the requisite fireplace. Bugger!
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:08 pm
I completely agree with you; the cooler temps always make me feel it’s time to hunker down and get wood by the door and indoor projects lined up. Happy fall to you!
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
I love the change in the seasons. It’s still nice enough here to get out and garden. In fact it’s nicer now that in summer. The pool is closed though!
September 24th, 2012 at 10:34 am
I’m smiling at the thought of you freezing your teenagers out of their bedrooms. All sounds idyllic to me.