Winter-warmers

I was all too uneager to get up this morning. It's very very chilly - with a cold wind blowing in spite of the clear skies. Two duvets are just about right, and a hot water bottle was required at bedtime last night too. Total cuddle weather.

It's on days and nights like this that I miss a fireplace. The last house that had one saw it used often - firing it up at the least provocation, throwing pillows and duvets down in front of it and spending hours staring into the mesmerizing coals. I slept in front of it, I sat in front of it, I even got into a couple liplocks in front of it. It's a real pity fireplaces aren't on the high-list of requirements when building houses these days.

But it's also comfort-food weather. Soups, stews, curry & rice, stir-fry with my awesome sweet & sour sauce, vast sheets of home-made pizza, roast potatoes, pies, stodgy baked puddings swimming in their own sauce. Mugs of hot chocolate or milo or rooibos chai. Although I sat outside and admired the brilliant sunset last night, I suspect that won't be too high on my to-do list today.

Instead it's off for a hot shower to thaw the bones loose. Some warm clothes. A breakfast of stuff that requires cooking. And a seeking out of as many sheltered spots of sunshine as I can find.