Maine Season: Survival of the Warmest

Winter can be long, especially in the northern or middle states of the U.S. This winter's cold snap has been record-breaking in many ways across the United States. Maine saw nearly two weeks of below freezing temperatures and nights and days below zero with wind chills that made it even colder. Weather.com reports that Bangor, along with many other cities, had a record cold stretch from December 23 to January 5. Whatever the exact temperatures and wind chills were, trust me, it was frigid. It was a long two weeks until we saw the thermometer climb to over 20 degrees!

This young calf knows how to stay warm!

Here's what's helped get me through this already long winter.

Vacuum the house
Like my neighbor's calf I saw in the hay feeding trough, I'd like to just climb in some place warm and stay there and eat all day too! Some days I've found myself so chilled that sitting on the couch under piles of blankets still wasn't very warming. It was too cold to go out for heart-pumping exercise, so instead I layered up and got out my vacuum to suck up some of that winter dirt, dust, and dog dander. In 5 minutes I was warmed through and felt that I had accomplished something. (And the dog was entertained by barking at Mr. Ambassador, as I call my 20-year-old Electrolux)!

Tea (and water)
I love to drink tea, and especially this winter I've been drinking a lot. With it though I've found I still need to drink as much water as I can to stay hydrated especially with the dry winter air. And have you heard that simply 8-8 ounce glasses may not cut it any longer? WebMD reports that drinking a half an ounce to an ounce per pound you weigh is a more accurate measure, especially for trying to lose weight! Check out this helpful article on all the great benefits of water to feeling good all year long. Tea also have been lauded for various potential health benefits. I can tolerate tea better than coffee and apparently it does have less caffeine than coffee plus possible antioxidants. Mainly I just like my warm tea.

Crossword puzzles
I've taken to looking for the crossword puzzle first when I read my local weekly. It gets me out of my head and using my brain as well as away from the annoying tv.

Winter greens
During winter I always crave fresh summer produce. Maine grocery stores, although offering more diverse produce than when I was a child, still sometimes seems to fall back onto mostly offering apples and citrus fruits in the winter because maybe that's all that is available after a time. I'm finding that frozen berries from my freezer are invigorating to eat this time of year. Mixed greens, such as kale and spinach, with clementines, pomegranates, nuts, and a balsamic dressing taste very good after all the sugar and carbs of the holidays. I also made one with apples and a dressing that called for maple syrup this weekend. Here are some ideas!

Reading
I am an avowed bookworm and have been reading a lot this winter, which is great way to spend indoor time when cleaning and the cold are too wearing. I will remember my reading couch time fondly this summer when I am running between work, games, and practices while trying to fit in relaxation (and reading) at the beach.

Bundle up
Sometimes despite the wind and weather, a walk is the only thing to help me feel that I'm not turning into a complete blob. Even if it means wearing multiple layers, the dog and my heart will appreciate the exercise and that cup of tea or hot chocolate will taste all the more appetizing!