Oh February!

I’m happy to have spring in sight, but I don’t know how much weight that holds for us right now. I’m tired of being cold all the time and I’m pretty much done with snow, but February is a mixed bag around here because although it’s still hardcore winter, we get to celebrate Brad’s birthday and Valentine’s Day and that’s good stuff.

1. We had a “snow day” on Wednesday. It snowed a bunch so I opted to work from home rather than double my commute time and go out on the roads with people who don’t know how to drive in the snow. Brad attempted to get to work, but couldn’t managed to get his car off of our street. It was nice to set up in our “home office” (otherwise known as the dining room) and spend the workday together.

2. Because of all of the snow on Tuesday/Wednesday, we cleared the driveway and walkways with the snow blower. This spring we’ll be in the market for a new welcome mat for the back door. The snow blower ate ours.

3. There is salt everywhere! I hate getting to work and finding salt stains on my dress pants from the short door-to-car trips. My car is covered in salt as well. I wish there were a nearer, cleaner option for ice control.

4. Dry skin has been a huge problem for both of us this winter. As soon as the weather gets cold, Brad’s hands get so dry that they crack and bleed randomly. Over the past couple of years, we’ve tried different lotions and remedies for it and finally found something that works: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream. I’d show you a before and after picture but Brad wouldn’t let me take one.

5. Cold-weather food. When it’s cold and snowy out, I only want to eat and drink warm things. I’ve been forcing myself to drink regular water while supplementing it with warm coffee in the mornings and hot herbal tea in the afternoon and evening. I also like having a nice, hot meal ready for us when we both get home from work. Since I don’t have the luxury of a housekeeper or personal chef, I use the slow cooker. Beef Stronganoff is a popular winter recipe in our house (I’ll post my recipe eventually). Crock pots/slow cookers do wonders for cooking tender, moist, fall-apart beef and chicken. What’s your favorite slow cooker meal?

As I mentioned, there are some good things about February… including fresh orchid blooms!