Ten on Tuesday - Less Bleak is Better

Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Things You Do to Make Winter Less Bleak. The gray, icy, cold weather we're having makes this an excellent topic to contemplate.

1. Light - This is often in the form of candles, but sometimes it's just opening the curtains to enjoy any vestige of sun that may be around.

2. Amaryllis - I started three this year, and while Rosa only has one bloom left, Ruby has two vibrant blossoms that opened today with two more buds to come. My third amaryllis should be making winter less dreary in another week or two.

3. Hyacinths - Last week was very desolate with really cold temperatures, so I started some hyacinths, and there will be more to come. Hopefully their blooms and lovely scent will be reminders of spring since we still have plenty of winter to get through.

4. Soup - I love soup, both the making and the eating. A nice warm bowl of hearty soup makes the kitchen warmer and people happier.

5. A Good Book - I started reading Burial Rites over the weekend, and while it's not warm, cheery, and light, it is set in Iceland in 1829. The wonderfully descriptive language that conveys the grim austerity of Iceland has made things here seem far less dire!

6. Embrace winter! - We lived in Syracuse for many years, where the average annual snowfall is over 100 inches. To avoid going stir-crazy, my husband and I took up cross-country skiing. It was a lot of fun to get out, get some exercise, and appreciate the beauty of winter.

7. Be grateful - It's possible that I may have complained about shoveling, snow, and ice on several occasions, but my sister-in-law has a better approach. She's advised me to be grateful that I am physically able to get out and clear the driveway, be glad that I can move my body, and think of all the constructive exercise I'm getting.

8. Warm socks - If my feet are warm, the rest of me is more comfortable, so get out those warm socks! Most of us are knitters, so we probably have access to these lovely items. My favorite handknit socks are toasty alpaca and I also love Darn Tough socks.

9. Tea - I start my day with piping hot PG Tips, and after that I enjoy non-caffeinated tea all day. Peppermint, Earl Grey, chamomile, darjeeling, chai - I love them all (except rooibos). This teapot should arrive here this afternoon, so I can enjoy my tea even more without making multiple pots all day!

10. Knit something warm with beautiful yarn you love - Enjoy the lovely yarn you're knitting with (cashmere and alpaca are always nice!) and hopefully the process and the product will make this winter less bitter and bleak.

What do you do to make winter brighter and better?