Walking in a Winter Wonderland: and Taking Along Protection!

Right after Christmas we had a huge snow storm. Well, they termed it a Blizzard and it certainly was that. Everyone asked me to take pictures of the snow, but because it was so windy the snow drifted and nothing stuck to the trees. It wasn’t a very pretty sight unless you are a polar bear, so I declined traipsing outside in my snow suit to take any pictures.

This weekend though, we had a unique snow event. The snow fell heavy for a short period of time with absolutely no wind, and it was very very cold, but then it warmed up briefly and the snow changed to rain, then back to snow. This, if you have ever made breaded chicken cutlets, was like dredging the branches in snow, which stuck beautifully well into the next day. Perfect for taking pictures of winter’s beauty!

So, I wrapped myself up in my snow suit, donned my heavy boots and gloves and went outside to play photographer. My dog Maggie and I walked all over the neighborhood in the morning light after I got up early to pick up our dairy order and have breakfast with my husband at the Shipwreck Diner. It was absolutely beautiful and I got lost in the loveliness of it, completely forgetting how cold it was!

By the time I got home, I was shivering from the cold! It reminded me strongly that it is important to know your physical limits and take care of yourself in extreme weather. When I got in, the first thing I did was make a huge cup of tea to warm myself up! I also took some wonderful Elderberry elixir just to be on the safe side.

While many believe it is an old wives tale that getting a chill can bring on a cold, Chinese medicine says there is some truth to it. During the cold weather it is so important to keep warm so your body can remain strong, and that is why they suggest warming foods such as soups during the winter, as well as bundling up and keeping drafts off the body. I know I crave cooked food in the winter and raw foods in the summer so I listen to my body in this regard, and that pays off in my continued good health during all seasons.

It is important to take care of yourself and keep warm in winter as well as supporting your immune system. Butterpowered Bike of Hunger and Thirst just posted a lovely article and recipe on winter herbs and a warming herb-infused chicken stock that I would have loved after my frigid walk!

She and Rebecca of Cauldrons and Crockpots also introduced me to one of their favorite winter immune supporters, Elderberry and she was so kind to send me some dried berries because I don’t have any growing in my area! Rebecca has a great amount of information on Elderberry or Sambucu and that is where I turned for my Elderberry Elixir recipe when I made it. Since I used dried Elderberry, I will list the recipe here, but she gives directions for using fresh berries as well as many other remedies that contain Elderberries and flowers, so check them all out!

Elderberry Elixir

Makes about 1 pint elixir

3 Oz. dried elderberries

1 Oz. dried and seeded rose hips

1/2 Inch fresh ginger chopped

1 Cup raw honey

1 Cup good brandy or vodka

In a clean screw top jar place berries and rose hips, along with ginger at the bottom and pour over with the spirits. Stir well and then pour over with the honey, stirring to dislodge any bubbles. Cap and place in a dark spot, shaking daily for about 6 weeks.

Strain out the berries and hips and bottle in another clean, screw cap container. When cold symptoms appear, or when you feel run down, take 1 tsp elixir every few hours to stop that cold or upper respiratory issue in it’s tracks!

So, now I know if I “catch a chill” I will be able to deal with it using warming herbs and I have my elderberry elixir if a cold comes knocking! Please see my Come Let Me Dose You Up post for more information on how to chase a cold away, and I do hope you all stay snug, toasty and healthy until spring comes back again! This article is linked to Homemaker Monday and Monday Mania.