9.1.14

January Nights




































































Fortunately here in the UK the weather warnings have now eased, although flooding is still a problem in some areas, and temperatures remain mild unlike the Arctic-like conditions of America and Canada. However, it is still very much winter and very dark - very, very dark. 

This first full week of January it's been all about trying to get outside each day for a walk to catch some daylight and exercise, even if it's raining, and then embracing the slump into twilight with candles, soft lighting and pjs. 

Early bedtime is very tempting as is the desire to get lost in a good book. I've been drawn to reading Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier - must be all this stormy weather (it's going to serialised soon by the BBC if you're interested).

How do you cope with shorter daylight hours? Do you find hibernation your natural state at this time of year?



SHARE:

10 comments

  1. Hibernation would be a natural state all year round if I allowed myself! I have noticed that it seems to be getting a little lighter a little longer though which is nice. We still have rising flood waters in our parish - expected to peak tonight - so not out of the water just yet. Thankfully our house and the main part of the village is on a hill. xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ideally I'd go to bed much earlier in winter, and stay there longer in the morning too! Sadly family, work and the whole routine dictates that I don't do either. It's so dark..wet and grey outside though, still some risk of flooding in our village too although not our house luckily.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, it has felt dark, hasn't it? I think my usual post-Christmas urge to clean and de-clutter is as much to distract myself from the January blues as anything else. I cope by getting fresh air and exercise when I can, keeping busy, baking, planning projects for spring, buying daffodils, and celebrating the dark nights with a glass of red wine and Homeland on the tv.

    ReplyDelete
  4. we almost hibernate with the bears here in our area, it is dark at 4'30, we have so much snow its really cold, I will check into the book you mentioned , keep warm and safe,

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, here in southern California we are hearing a lot about the arctic cold hitting eastern states. Many people were unprepared for it. Thankfully, we aren't experiencing it here. I think you have the right idea: Your burning incense and candles give off a very tranquil ambience, lovely. It looks like the perfect conditions to tuck into a good book. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Same here, though the afternoons are gradually lengthening and we've had a couple of sunny days (not today, which is grey and wet…). But definitely time to retreat with candles and books - I didn't know the BBC were doing Jamaica Inn, so will look forward to that. I had quite the du Maurier phase a couple of years ago and read her fascinating biography, too, and of course Rebecca was on again over the holidays!
    Looking at how the cat has been stuffing herself and growing daily more rotund, I fear we are still in for a very cold period, yet, just later than we're accustomed to. Hopefully not as bad as the US, where areas not used to this kind of weather have people really suffering. When it does come, I think we'll be fine (we have had very icy phases in the past such as this http://www.nyon.ch/fr/actualite/actu-692-29571!).

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know it is not common but Winter is my preferred season and I love the dark mornings... I am now a bit sad that by the time I arrive to work it is nearly full daylight. I will love Spring and Summer when I will be able to stay outside and work in my garden, but not as much as I do love Winter. The only thing that gives me the blues for the moment is that we do not have a real winter weather so far neither...

    ReplyDelete
  8. This week I've run every night for 4 nights, 15 miles in total! Weird for me this time of year, but I've loved it. Tonight though I'm hunkering! Happy weekend xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I must admit I enjoy a break from the gardening and allotmenting and all of the outside things that need sorting. It's so nice to be inside and warm and cosy. I like country walks at the end of the weekend day, hurrying home as the sun sets.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've actually found that garden and yard work is very enjoyable at this time of year because I live in a climate where the summers are very hot. Yesterday I planted some bulbs in different parts of the yard. I also like to walk these days. I've been sleeping much better lately and sleeping more, going to bed a bit earlier. I feel like I'm catching up on my sleep now.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. Keep in touch xo

BLOGGER THEME CREATED BY pipdig