The Cold Shall Not Break Me

I love the fall. The weather turns chilly, and I'm able to pull out the cozy sweaters and earth tone clothes that I feel are especially flattering on me. I get to grow my beard and wear scarves. Have I ever mentioned that I love scarves? I think that ultimately, I'm at my coolest and most comfortable in the fall months, and even into the beginning stages of winter. More than anything, it's time for comfort food. Those dishes that stick to your ribs, and warm your belly. Those glorious piles of food that make you want to take a nap after. While we've come a long way, we are still ultimately animals and feel the need for hibernation. the light fades prior to the end of the day, and it kills motivation. Crisp white wine and boat drinks are replaced with hearty reds and whiskey drinks. While at times the lethargy and lack of motivation can be mistaken for depression, for the most part, I love the opportunity to have an excuse to stay inside, with a roaring fire and something in the oven or on the stove. It makes me want to break out Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and spending a day making the perfect boeuf bourguignon, or a thick and hearty cream soup. There is nothing, and I'm very sure of this, nothing that is better than a bitter cold day with a lingering smell of fires burning and the sounds of it crackling in the fireplace, cuddled up with those you love with the savory smells of home cooking permeating the house.
I am determined to embrace the coming of winter, and hope that the snow flies, and temperature drops. And anticipate the return of spring. I will most likely change my feelings on this topic in 6 weeks, after the whirlwind of holidays and birthdays and celebrations. After new years has come and gone, and the winter becomes a spiteful bitch, hell bent on breaking my spirit. I know that at some point I will long for the sweltering dog days of summer, and the promise of life spent out of doors. But for now, I will look at it through the romantic lens of idyllic New England winters of centuries past, and hope for the best.