Cold Weather, Warm Feet!
I admit it, I’m a wimp when it comes to physical discomfort. I don’t require down pillows and velvet, but I really do not do well with out-of-comfort experiences. In particular? I do not tolerate a chill at all.
My favorite temperature is 85F/29.4C. Warm! Even hot, for someone else. But the delight of letting my skin touch the air around me without needing to be protected, is something that never grows old for me.
So now it is winter. In fact, we are having January weather in November. Tomorrow is December 1 and we are being warned to not travel far, that next afternoon will bring a mean ice storm which will last overnight and then some. I guess tonight Chicago is scheduled to get it, which would be typical for our weather. Often we get Chicago’s weather the next day.
So this week the wind has been awful. It has pushed so hard through the cracks in my windows that it makes sounds that make me jump. And my feet have been cold for a solid week. I have been wearing 2 pair of socks along with legwarmers, even putting down a double-thickness throw rug under my desk hoping that would help protect me from floor drafts. Still no reprieve!
Today I went ahead and tried something else. I’m in love! I bought an old-fashioned hot water bottle. I filled it with normal hot water from the tap. And it is the most wonderful thing I’ve done for myself in a long time! It cost about $15USD and all I can say is “why didn’t I do that sooner?” In previous years I’ve run a small heater under the desk, but this is far more effective and safer as well.
So what do you do to create comfort in your own life? When my feet are warm, I can spend more effort focusing on things like work and creativity. A little comfort lets me sit still and be open to the rest of my life.
I love my new hot water bottle! I also feel nurtured by a cup of hot tea. What is your favorite comfort?
December 1st, 2007 at 10:07 am
Years ago I made a very simple 9-patch lap quilt, backed with flannel. With every wash it has gotten softer, more fluid. Back then, I made every quilting stitch by hand.
When I don’t feel well, or need comfort, I make a lovely cup of tea, or some ‘medicine soup’ (chicken broth seasoned with medicinal herbs, adding my grandma’s recipe for ‘rivley noodles’)and cuddle under my quilt. That, a good book, and/or some hand work make the world right again.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Hugs from the hubby are always nice
I like to curl up with a cup of chai and a book under my shawl. Or take a few minutes to knit when I feel like I *need* a break. I have been trying to de-clutter the house in preparation for winter and many of my current projects are stored out of sight. I find find that if I don’t have a couple laying out then I don’t think to work on things. I think one of the ultimate comfort things is clean, fresh smelling sheets. I change them regularly but the first time a set gets slept on is the ultimate.
My mom found a child size water bottle somewhere and gave it to me for my daughter. I think I might claim it since she is always warm (would have bare feet and t shirt if I would let her)
December 1st, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I like your hot water bottle idea. Thanks for the idea. Someplace I saw a knitted cover for the bottle. Wouldn’t that be a nice touch. I’ll bet you could design a lovely one for us ;>)
December 1st, 2007 at 3:38 pm
i like to curl up in my chair with my knitted blanket, with a good cup of coffee, and watch a Cary Grant movie. i might snooze or knit but as long as i’m warm life is good
December 1st, 2007 at 9:21 pm
My favorite comfort things: my plaid flannel MSU sleep shirt, tea with honey and lemon, a chilly room so that I can snuggle beneath layers of comforters and blankets (to be flipped off and on as my fluctuating body temperature dictates).
December 1st, 2007 at 10:00 pm
I set myself up at the kitchen table, which is very close to the largest radiator in the house. I read, knit, watch TV or whatever while sitting there. The comfort part comes from my four cats who love to spend time there…and the cup of coffee that is close at hand!!
Lynnie, if you don’t like COLD weather, I shudder for your living in Michigan. As you know, I’m an ex-pat from Michigan who finds Chicago warm by comparison!
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:46 am
This is a timely topic for me, especially with the cold-weather-related responses, because it just got cold here for the first time this year a couple of days ago (it’s -17C at the moment).
I don’t usually have too much of a problem with cold weather, but sometimes it takes a little extra coaxing to get me out of bed in the morning. I like to bribe myself with mint tea. One other thing I do in the winter to keep myself comfortable is splurge on nice salves and lotions so that my hands don’t crack. I’m picky about scents, so sometimes it’s hard to find the right kind, but I think it’s worthwhile.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:04 am
I love this topic! Great ideas here, especially about the hot water bottle. I think a hot water bottle cover would be in order. In fact, giving a gift to someone of hot water bottle with matching cover sounds like a lovely gift for the holidays. Not that there’s time to do it this year . . . but maybe next?
I also like the idea of a lapghan! A lapghan and that would be soft and nice, especially with a flannel backing. Great idea, Diana.
In winter, I like to get comfort with warm soups, with unending cups of coffee, with a warm blanket or shawl wrapped around me, a good book or knitting project in my lap. Of course, sitting by the fireplace if I’m at home. Most of all, I MUST have warm socks on my feet during winter. Preferably handmade socks, those are the best.
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Cracks in your windows? When I’ve had that problem, I got insulating film from the hardware store that’s made for the purpose and sealed the insides of my windows for the winter. It was crystal clear and didn’t impede vision at all. There were channels I put on the windows themselves, then the film, then heat it with a hairdryer to tighten it so it doesn’t affect the view. Wow, did that make a difference! Has to be taken down for the summer if you want to open windows.
The problem *here* is hot weather in the summer! I’d rather wear a sweater. Again, I’ve put film on the south-facing windows: it slightly darkens the glass, although not a problem, and reduces the amount of heat that builds up. All of this is do-it-y’self stuff.
And in the winter, I do love a good wool sweater. Or two. And I have a felted, handknitted rug under my desk (the problem there is concrete floor).
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Warm feet, warm hands, warm feelings to others. That’s what makes me happy…sharing the heat!