Tag Archives: winter

Wilderness Wednesday: Winter

08 Wednesday Jan 2020

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Jan 2020 (6)_ed

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. – John Burroughs

Happy Wednesday!

This is my post for Cee Neuner’s Fun Foto Challenge: Winter. If you’re a photographer looking for a challenge, Cee also has other challenges like, black & white, flower of the day, on the hunt for joy, as well as listings for other challenges to keep you inspired & inspiring!

What’s In My Cup: Smooth Coconilla Oolong

04 Monday Mar 2019

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White beaches. Blue water. A floral whisper in the gentle breeze brushing your cheek. Peace. Tranquility. Rest. Sounds like paradise. But instead of waking in Shangri-La, I wake up to Canadian winter. I dislike winter. Last Sunday’s storm saw winds reach 110 km/hr. By Wednesday, we were buried under another 15 cm before temperatures dropped again into the -20s. I’ve already talked about the ice. I’m so over it!

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” – John Boswell

So instead of mourning the winter wonderland, I’m sipping something tropical.

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This Oolong tea by Steeped Tea is blended with coconut chips, coconut flakes, pumpkin bits, lemongrass, pumpkin seeds, pink peppercorns, marigold and sunflower blossoms, and vanilla.

Pumpkin on its own provides some vitamin A and C, as well as fibre. It also aids the immune and digestive systems, and may help with the absorption of glucose. Marigold and sunflower blossoms are similar to calendula petals. Lemongrass is related to many Asian, African, Australian, and other tropical island plants in the grass family. It’s smell resembles lemons and it is commonly used in herbal teas.

Coconut was the predominant flavour in this tea. Because of its strong antioxidant properties and health benefits, coconut can help lower cholesterol, improve digestion, stabilize glucose levels, and boost the immune system.

I may not be able to fly away, but this coconilla oolong tea, with its bold coconut and fragrant vanilla flavour, is an easy and inexpensive compromise. The grassy notes from the lemongrass are subtle, which I appreciated since I’m not a huge fan. It also has a hint of heat from the pink peppercorns (reminiscent of a sultry night?). A little imagination paired with a great book, and I can almost hear the ocean!

You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. – C. S. Lewis

Hdppy Monday!

Wilderness Wednesday: Go To Sleep

06 Wednesday Feb 2019

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I love my view at work!

DSC_2786_ed

I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again’. ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass 

Happy Wednesday!

What’s In My Cup: Egg Noggin’

10 Monday Dec 2018

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It’s the time of year for seasonal treats, including the liquid kind…Eggnog is a drink traditionally served in North America around the Christmas season. It’s made using milk, whipped eggs, sugar and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.  The “nog” comes from any addition of alcohol. It’s can be served hot or cold – either way, it’s tasty on cold, winter days.

Eggnog (533x800)

Steepedtea.com sells a tea called “Eggnog”, and someone shared a package with me. It’s a combination of black tea and green tea combined with cinnamon pieces, orange peel, and nutmeg.

It’s one of those teas that took me awhile to decide if I liked, partly because the grassy flavour of the green tea comes through. However, the black tea, together with the sourness of the orange peel, and the seasonal zest from the cinnamon provided a good balance. Green tea also have some health benefits.  A bonus for me is that I can now enjoy the flavour of egg nog without the nasty effects of dairy on my system. I think my family appreciates that too! 🙂

Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat?
Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?
– Clark Griswold, Christmas Vacation (1989)

Happy Monday!

 

Wilderness Wednesday: Two Months Ago

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

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Two months ago, the world looked a little different. Everything was bare and covered in snow. When we rolled out of bed at my father-in-law’s house, it was -27°C (without the wind chill). Even though the sun was shining, we were worried our car wouldn’t start.  Living in the city several hours west and closer to a major lake meant we didn’t have to worry about things like plugging our car in, so we didn’t the parts in place to do so.

But his flowers inside were happy.

Red Geranium

Yesterday, it was 7°C at his house, and the snow is mostly gone. What a difference a couple of months can make! Spring is coming soon! Happy Wednesday!

I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.
– Anne Lamott