winter – Page 5 – By My Solitary Hearth

Hungering for Spring

February 23, 2021February 22, 2021 Eliza Daley

This is the time of year that is the most difficult for high latitude living. The sun is up by 6:30am. The birds are loudly busy. There have been seed catalogs filled with glossy green seduction in the post box every day for weeks. The chickens are talking more, attempting to leave the roost more,… Continue reading Hungering for Spring

Pancakes for Fat Tuesday

February 16, 2021February 23, 2021 Eliza Daley3 Comments

I briefly considered writing about Mardi Gras today, but I just don’t like it enough. I am not a Carnival person. I don’t like the noise, the crowds, the mess, the stink. I hate feeling inebriated and I simply can’t tolerate drunk people. I have no use for plastic beads. And King Cake looks revolting.… Continue reading Pancakes for Fat Tuesday

Chionophobia

February 10, 2021February 18, 2021 Eliza DaleyLeave a comment

I have chionophobia, fear of snow. This is not a professional diagnosis. Nor has it always been true. I used to love skiing and ice-skating. I could build a mean snow fort well into my nominal adulthood. The sharp scent of snow elicited memories of birthdays and mountain nights. The silence of snowfall still takes… Continue reading Chionophobia

Nor’easters Explained

February 8, 2021February 16, 2021 Eliza Daley2 Comments

Nor'easters Explained: We interrupt your spring-leaning inclinations to bring you this winter weather warning.

Of Candles and Divinatory Beasts

February 2, 2021January 28, 2023 Eliza Daley

If Candlemas be bright and clear there'll be two winters in the year. — traditional adage from Scotland There are many weather marking days throughout the year. Candlemas, falling on 2 February, was the day that our ancestors began to get nervous about the spring. A fine Candlemas portends a bad harvest and winter dearth;… Continue reading Of Candles and Divinatory Beasts

The Wolf Moon

January 28, 2021March 26, 2021 Eliza Daley

This is the time of the Wolf Moon, the time of year when food stores in traditional cultures are dwindling. This is when cold is probing its sharp fingers through iced windows. The nights are still long, but usually by the Wolf Moon the lengthening of daylight is perceivable.

Winter Chile Stew

January 21, 2021January 29, 2021 Eliza Daley

It's time to make some healthy and warm ballast for the belly — Winter Chile Stew.

Plough Monday

January 3, 2021January 3, 2024 Eliza Daley

Plough Monday, an ancient rustic holiday that became attached to the Christmas holiday tradition, is on the first Monday following Epiphany (January 6). It is the traditional beginning of the agricultural year.