Tuesday, January 7, 2014

On Thinking Warm Thoughts

"The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money."
~Thomas Jefferson
 
 
I'm surrounded by candles and covered in handmade afghans and being incubated by two warm fur children and a laptop.  Bone chilling hardly seems an accurate description for this type of freezing. 
 
Winds whip, causing doors to slightly open as powerful gusts find their way through tiny cracks and crevices.  The furnace chugs away, sprinting through this Antarctic marathon without stopping for rest or refueling.  My tea kettle constantly whistles, signaling another warm cup, another attempt at these 'staying toasty' antics. 
 
 
Unbeknownst to them, my fuzzy socks and fingerless gloves have intense responsibilities placed upon them today.  I hope they are prepared for such lofty, albeit unreachable expectations.
 
Dare I say that I am in heaven?  Is it alright to completely revel in this feeling of cozy and snugly and calm?  Because, you see dear friends... I'm loving it.  I'm completely thrilled.  I can't smile brighter.  I live for days like this.  Days when I can enjoy our home, bake bread, light candles, knit and create....
 
 
 Upon emerging from my protective blanket cocoon, I shuffled into the real world, only to find cold, cold, and more cold.  Without hesitating, I prepared  myself a perfect cuppa and quickly gathered this-and-that to add to the simmer pot. (I promise that a nifty simmer pot makes staying in and being chilly a lovely little adventure.)
 
"What's that?  You want to make one, too?"
 
Good.  I hoped so.
 
  Here's how.
 
 
Simmer Pot Instructions
 
First, boil water in a kettle or pan.
While the water heats,  slice one orange (or lemon or lime....let your imagination run wild) and gather any other ingredients that suit your fancy.
(I also added cloves, vanilla essential oil, and dried rosemary from my summer herb garden.)
Cinnamon, allspice, lemon, cranberries and pine tree sprigs are all delightful additions and options- I promise.
Add all ingredients to the simmer pot of your choice. 
(I found my copper one at a thrift store for $2.00-score!)
Gently pour the hot/boiling water over the chosen ingredients.
Lastly, turn the stove on to a low setting (I usually set mine at 2 or 3) and wait for the yummy scent to waft through the air.
 
*Note: I typically use the same simmer pot for a few days, adding this and that as time passes.  Also, be sure to add more warm water every few hours to keep the potion from becoming 'sludgy' or burned.
 
 
With that, I'm lighting a few more candles, heading to my craft nook, and setting off to work on some paper crafting projects that I have up my sleeve.
 
Stay warm, my friends.  Stay warm and enjoy this day.

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