It's the first Monthly Musings of 2026. I'm so excited that Holly, who blogs at Pink Lady, and Patty, who blogs at Good, Better, Best, are continuing this in 2026. I really love this link up. Thanks for hosting such a fun blog party each month Holly and Patty!
Edited to add: I didn't realize Holly was no longer hosting. Thank you for the time you gave to this link party. Patty -- thank you for continuing to host it. I love this round up.
1) Describe your winter so far in one word.
Intense. We've already surpassed our regular annual snowfall for the year. We're in a extremely cold spell (going down to -30C (-22F) with windchill) which is unusual for Ontario. We've had two full school closure days in the past three weeks -- it's just been an "intense" winter thus far. And I know it's far from over. *deep breaths, deep breaths*
2) What winter activities have you never tried but want to.
Winter swimming. I've been reading about this practice in places like Norway and Finland and I am intrigued. Living in Canada, and the parts of Canada where I've lived, I've had the opportunity to do so many things. I'm taking the time with this question to talk about some of them.
Feeding birds on a forest walk and going in a sauna (or hot tub) and then jumping straight into the snow!
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Kick sledding, downhill skiing, and tobogganing.
Skating (both on regular rinks and through a forest) and snow shoeing.
I've also played on a hockey team, gone curling, and been on a snowmobile.
But I've never gone "winter swimming" and I feel like I'm missing out!
3) Favourite winter beverage.
5) Soup or chili? Share a recipe if you would like.
My favourite soup ever is Cream of Carrot-Cheddar Soup. Bonus: the kids like it too and it makes excellent leftovers. You can find the recipe here.
I always loved seeing the pics of you and your family skating in the woods with all of the lights- looked so beautiful and fun! I am not co-hosting this anymore but appreciate the shoutout ;)
ReplyDeleteYep, that definitely sounds like an intense winter. Ours has been colder and snowier than the last several yeas as well... and I miss those mild ones! LOL. I don't think I could handle winter swimming. They do have a "turkey dip" at a local lake where people run in and "swim" on Thanksgiving day. I remember the year my older sister did it they had to break through the ice. I would not have made it past my toes as it takes me forever to get into the water... even in summer.
ReplyDeleteMy love language is acts of service too. I think you should definitely do a polar plunge!
ReplyDeleteI have no interest in winter swimming!! Haha. Shovelling after the plough has gone by is oddly satisfying to me. Yes, it is the heaviest snow but I feel so accomplished when it's done I don't mind tackling it. Stay warm! Just got another cold alert on my phone from the weather network, blech!
ReplyDeleteThe tulips are so sad. I get not feeling like being all in for Valentine's day for sure though.
ReplyDeleteIt has been SO cold this winter! The coffee/hot chocolate with Kahlua & whipped cream looks like the perfect way to stay warm!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us again this month Natasha. Also, thank you for the kind shoutout to Holly. She really has been a great partner over the years.
ReplyDeleteWinter has been more intense here too, though I think we didn't have it as bad as Ontario! The winter sport I'd like to try is showshoeing or cross country skiing. I *think* I could still handle those at least for a little bit, long enough to decide whether it was fun enough to pursue. The problem is that arthritis has stolen a lot of my mobility - it's been years since I could ice skate safely. Anywho. Those poor sad tulips - but even all dejected like that they are still pretty. Hope you're staying warm and cozy!
ReplyDeleteYay!! Another person that wants to winter swim or cold plunge!!! you left that comment on my blog and I had to stop by to see the rest of your post!!!
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