5&5: Winter

December is right around the corner, so while we have definitely been enjoying fall, winter is coming.  

Growing up in Colorado, I was lucky to always have the change of seasons.  However, I did not realize that until I moved away and lost those changes.  Winter is not the same without at least a sprinkle of snow.

So here we go the 5 & 5

Five Pros to Winter

1.  Warm drinks, blankets, books

There's nothing quite like cozying up with a good book, a hot coffee/tea/cocoa, a nice blanket.  Bonus points for cozying up in front of a fireplace, but we're without one of those currently.  The time seems to slow down temporarily and its just relaxing.  A calmness.  

2.  Food

Lets face it, food could be on most of my lists.  But there's something about winter food that makes it only taste as good during the winter.  The soups, stews, casseroles.  Break out that crock pot!  Crank up the oven and get baking!  The smell of fresh bread, the winter veggies.  Heat yourself up from the inside.

3.  Holidays

My favorite holidays tend to be Halloween and Easter.  That's heavily influenced by my child's favorite holidays.  And while Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't my favorite, they hold special meaning to them.  They are more about family.  What we are grateful for, what we have in life, and what we can share with others.  Christmas was never really about the gifts but about the time together.  And even if we are now all apart, through traditions we can still feel together.  The holidays provide a time to reflect on the year as it ends, and provide a closure in order to open yourself up to the change of the new year.

4.  Hockey

Nothing beats the thrill of watching hockey.  In a major arena, a college arena, a rec center, or a lake/pond - hockey is fun to watch.  There's speed, conflict, skill, talent.  An excitement that awakens you.  And we love it even more because it brings family to us via multi-state tournament.

5.  Fresh Snow

There's a peacefulness when it snows.  The first snow, has a magic to it.  It's not until the spring that the peacefulness fades away.  Watching the snow fall.  The snowflakes - originals.  

5 Cons to Winter

1.  Dryness

Oy - Colorado especially gets so dry in the winter.  Despite how many bottles of water I drink, my lips are chapped, my nose is red and flakey, and my skin cracks.  No matter how much moisturizer I use, I still can't get the relief I need.

2.  Driving in Snow / on Ice

Perhaps worse then the driving itself, is sharing the road with those not familiar with the driving conditions.  It takes experience, I get that so I try not to pass too much judgement.  But its dangerous! 

3.  Keeping Supplies Warm

Insulin - test strips - meter - pump - Trying to keep all these warm can be a challenge when enjoying the outdoors.  Luckily ski parkas have lots of pockets.  And thank goodness for hand warmers! 

4. Below Freezing Temps

Probably the only time I hate going out in the cold, is to take the dog for his walks when it is freezing cold.  He hates booties so I'm always so worried about it being too cold for him.

5.  Brown

​Ugh, everything turns brown here.  The snow is pretty and white, and by afternoon its all melted and the roads are muddy, the trees are bare and brown.  



Welcome to winter!  I'll enjoy it for now, but before I know it I'm sure I'll be begging for spring flowers.