In my last blog I wrote about seed starting hygge, I was hoping all those spring focused thoughts would help spring come along quickly......This week in Minnesota we broke the all time snow record for February, and AMAZINGLY there is still another week left in the month (and more snow in the forecast)...Spring looks like it could be farther off than I hoped.
My kids love snow, and record breaking (thank you Guiness World Record books.) As an adult all this snow starts feeling less fun and starts feeling more heavy and discouraging (will spring EVER come!?!)
It would be easy to complain but, the purpose of this farm is to bring HOPE and we could all use a little encouragement right now. In this blog post I'm going to share how my family on the farm is holding on until warmer weather.
Tip #1 Read Inspiring Books
When I was younger I fell in love with the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Thanks Mom!). In them Laura and her family overcome many challenges and are grateful for the simple things. My favorite of all her books is The Long Winter, which feels VERY appropriate right about now! My family just got done reading this book aloud as a family. Every time I read it, it helps me to be more grateful for the everyday things I take for granted like food, warmth, and good shelter, which were struggles for the Ingalls family during that brutal winter and are still struggles for many around the world today. If they can come through that difficult time, I can deal with more snow. If you haven't read it, I would encourage you to, or if you have but it has been a while it may be time to read it again.
Tip #2 Find Something Colorful to Look At
Another way we have been trying to stay positive during this snowy winter days has been breaking out the flowery china. A couple of years ago my dear step mother passed away (oh how I miss her!) One of the things I inherited from her was her China set. I have many sweet memories using this set! I love that it is covered with flowers, which makes me think of spring, and how much I am looking forward to seeing and smelling all the beautiful blooms I am growing this year and sharing those beautiful blooms with you.
Tip#3 Comfort Food
If I am going to get out the china I want to enjoy it with good food! Since it is winter and cold, I think the best thing I could fill it with is soup. There is just something very warming and comforting about a good bowl of soup. Some of our family favorites are chili, chicken noodle (or chicken and dumpling), and tuna cheddar chowder. My Mother-in-law makes the most amazing Zuppa Toscana, but I haven't mastered that one, yet! This year we discovered another great soup to add to the menu (Thanks Pinterest!) Spinach and Artichoke Soup, it is so good I have to share the link www.modernhoney.com/creamy-spinach-artichoke-soup/ .
I hope these tips help you to keep holding on until spring and maybe even help you to enjoy the snow ;-) If you have any winter tips to pass along, or any great soup recipes, post a comment below, I would LOVE to hear from you!
