Season 7

A mockingbird taking refuge in our screened in porch during the winter storm.

Austin was a winter wonderland this week, but not all was wonderful. Many people in Austin and across Texas lost power and water this week due to ice and temperatures well below freezing that lasted for a week straight. Thirty-year-old records were broken and new records were set. In many areas of the country this extreme cold would not be as much of a problem, but for us, our infrastructure is just not prepared for prolonged winter weather events of such magnitude. Most of our snow or ice days last one day and then we’re back to 60 or 70 degree temperatures.

Many of my friends and family members were without water or power or both throughout the week. We are located near many hospitals and medical facilities, and power was available only because we are on the same power grid as these essential services. We are doing our best to conserve power, natural gas and water to help lighten the load for all. As I write this, the whole city of Austin is on a boil water notice, hospitals are running out of water and supplies, and we have limited running water. Our mail has not been delivered for almost a week, buses are not running, most grocery stores are closed or out of many essentials, and life is far from normal and won’t be for weeks to come.

The first day of snow on Monday was gorgeous fluffy snow that was too soft even for sledding until later in the day. It was such a beautiful surprise to see the snow still lingering in the morning. We spent the morning playing snow golf in the front yard and by the afternoon we were sledding on any neighborhood hill within walking distance.

Wednesday morning was a different story as freezing rain turned into thick ice on the roadways and hung heavily on tree branches. As I write this week’s blog post, we may have lost our lemon trees or olive trees or both to the freeze despite all our attempts to protect them. It remains to be seen if the mixture of ice and snow on the fruit trees ultimately helped or hurt them. This winter storm is giving its final farewell with another light dusting of snow and temperatures should warm us up this weekend.

I am thankful for my friends and family and that we all were able to support each other through this time. It was difficult not being able to lend a hand in person, but the roads were so treacherous. The quiet of the snow was contrasted with the constant sirens headed to hospitals in our area acting as a constant reminder of the reality of the situation. .

In case we all thought we couldn’t handle another layer of stress or resiliency, this week proved that indeed we are capable. This week’s hardships allowed us to witness courage in our first responders, the strength in community to get through yet another hardship by working together for the greater good, and the importance of resourcefulness.

HOME

Usually we celebrate Fat Tuesday by making jambalaya and a king cake. I even had plans to make King Arthur’s King Cake Scones recipe this year for a change, but we opted for once-in-a-blue-moon sledding opportunity in Austin instead. Snow is such a luxury for us here in Austin that we have to enjoy it to the fullest while it is here.

We decided that baking in our oven meant using more resources that were needed for more important purposes around our city. So this year Fat Tuesday went by quietly and without celebration, and that’s okay. Maybe delicious Fat Tuesday food won’t be enjoyed on a Tuesday this year, but it will taste just as good any other day.

This year has taught us that we can be flexible and celebrate any time of the year for any reason. We can all use reasons to celebrate right now even when times are hard. I recently listened to Lazy Genius Podcast #195: Creating Your Own Holiday When There’s Nothing To Look Forward To. It reminded me of the calendar we made this summer to pass the time by celebrating funny holidays like “National Ice Cream Sandwich Day”.

While we are still in February you could celebrate Day of the Crepe, usually celebrated on February 2nd in France, with this Simple Crepes Recipe by Martha Stewart made using your blender.

GARDEN

Our seed starts waited out the winter storm inside and are doing well, albeit a little leggy, but I hope to get them back out into the yard next week if we are blessed with the 70-degree temperatures promised by the weather forecasters.

In the meantime, I spent each morning rummaging around for supplies to freeze suet rings using my mini bundt and doughnut pans. Why? So that our feathered friends had protein rich food while waiting out the storm. Birds sang cheerfully despite the cold while they waited for us to feed them in the backyard each morning at 7 am. The birds and squirrels seemed very appreciate for something to fill their bellies after a cold night.

WELLNESS

Although I prefer warm weather, I do love the magic of snow. The glitter that appears in the sunlight is breathtaking. I’ve learned to dress for the cold weather after traveling to colder places every year and now look forward to exploring in the snow. Noticing the ice crystals or the way the birds warm their bodies in the sun on our fig tree helps me to appreciate the intricacies of each season.

Walking in the cold, when properly dressed, feels good to achy joints from too much time inside and warms me up. It is also great for cabin fever! One of the best snow experiences I had walking in the snow was several years ago when we did some snowshoeing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming after an epic snowfall. Being the first ones to put down tracks in fresh snow is just magical.

One of the ways you can celebrate the seasons all year round (even the cold!) is through Forest Bathing. It is a practice that invites you to experience nature as a way to bring healing and solace. Being immersed in nature can be key to our well-being.

CREATIVITY

This past summer we created several summer LEGO minifigure vignettes, and we decided to do the same for winter. It’s a fun activity to get kids outside while encouraging their creativity and using their imagination to design and build mini scenes!

BOOKSHELF

This week I read much less that I thought I would because we were out playing in the snow or managing the snow and ice at our house. As I walked around taking photographs in the snow, I was reminded of two of my favorite books about snowflakes and their intricate beauty.

In case you are looking for book recommendations for kids (or yourself!), gift ideas for all ages or want to peek into my TBR List for 2021, head over to the 52 Seasons Book Shop on Bookshop.org. ($)

COMMUNITY

Community was such an important resource this week. I’m constantly reminded how we each must do our part. One of my very favorite quotations says it best:

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu

We tried to do our part for our postman and delivery drivers by providing treats available on our porch when the weather turned cold. Later, after the snow had fallen, we cleared the walkways in front of our neighbors’ houses, checked on friends and family, and donated to organizations that are helping our community in courageous ways. These are just a few ideas for helping in a time of need, but I encourage everyone to find ways to reach out to their neighbors and community.

If we all make a difference in our communities, that change will begin to happen on a global level. Caring begins at home. Caring is what we teach our families and IT MATTERS.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read 52 Seasons. I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas so that we can grow together.

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