Well, it’s happened.
We had our first snowfall of the season today, just after the heat came on at work and just before my car stalled when I left to drive home (My diesel VW Jetta, though it gets great mileage, hates winter. We have that in common).
The snow wasn’t much to speak of—just 30 minutes or so of on-and-off flurries, but it was enough. Enough to remind me of what’s coming and to send me into full-on hibernation mode. Every year around this time, I wander around the house in sweat pants and sweatshirts, thick socks, blankets, something hot to drink. There’s no desire to go for walks anymore, not when I can see my breath and nothing, not even several layers, takes away the deep chill.
Tonight was also the first time I turned on the heat, and, I’m so serious when I say this, the heat system smells like winter. It’s this weird, not-quite-burnt odor that makes me hum Christmas carols and crave cookies with red sprinkles. Part terrible and part wonderful, this season, it seems about the only thing I’m good for is cradling a cup of tea between my hands.
And if you’re going to have a cup of tea, I’d highly recommend you try Earl Grey and, if at night, the decaf is perfect (In fact, that’s all I drink).
The hint of citrus (bergamot) is so comforting, and if you add a little creamer and a bit of sugar, you’ll almost be glad it’s so cold everywhere (I said almost). I’d say the only thing that would make this better, save from sunny skies and not needing a winter coat, would be a little something sweet on the side, in this case a slice of leftover chocolate cake from my brother’s birthday this weekend.
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