Hockey. Watching lots and lots of hockey. NHL, college, and this year, olympics.

Home Improvements. As we speak, the kitchen is getting a desperately needed update (on the cheap, with paint, drawer pulls, etc.) I’m hoping it will be complete before my Super Bowl Party, which, James will be pleased to know, is New Orleans themed in honor of the Saints. Cafe du Monde coffee is on it’s way as I type this and I’m debating whether or not I should make mufalettas (sp?) or have the Central Market FedEx them to me? Although I do expect that at least one of my friends will puke. If not, I’m sure one of the cats will after they attack the pot of jambalaya when nobody’s looking.

Winter hikes are awesome. The world does look different, sharper somehow, in the winter light with a coating of snow and frost. However, I draw the line at 20 degrees. If it dips below that, I’m not leaving my bed. This girl has her limits.

On the very bitterest of days, like today in NY, you also know — or learn quickly — to avoid wearing exposed metal earrings/adornments as they conduct cold. Ouch.

1. Head to a steam bath or sauna for a good sweat. It will loosen up the dry skin and take away some of the itching.

2. I agree with the idea of baking and making stews. Get good at it now and you can do it more easily and quickly when you need something fast during busier months.

3. Throw a Mardi Gras party full of spicy foods and Dixieland music. It’s cheaper than a trip down to New Orleans, and fewer people will throw up on you (individual results, of course, may vary).

4. Watch the Winter Olympics on TV and imagine what it’s like to be Apolo Ohno or Lindsey Vonn. Then be content to realize that you’ll need to be content at this age to merely keep your footing on ict sidewalks.

I’d add, take lots of photos on days that are less miserable. The world looks very different in winter, and in snow.

Tea! Buy yourself a lovely teapot, real loose-leaf tea, and a beautiful cup and saucer. At 4:30 every winter afternoon, as the light is fading, make a big pot of tea and settle down for at least 20 minutes of silence and sipping. Tea is NOT a nasty little bag and a cup of lukewarm water. Try teas you’ve never heard of, like Lapsang Souchong, which is like licking the deck of an 18th century schooner. (tarry, smoky.)

Cuddle! Kids, pets, sweetie. Body warmth is good.

Massages will help to loosen tight muscles; I find I tense up after weeks or months of daily cold.

Cashmere, baby! Anything soft against your skin (hat,gloves, scarves, socks, sweater — or all of these.) You can find fab cashmere sweaters at many thrift or consignment shops for a fraction of new stuff.