When I was a kid, of course we lived up on a hill where the weather was colder than town. So, 4-6 weeks before the other kids were dressed for winter, my sister and I were in hand-knitted balaclavas (think what deer-hunters would wear, thanks Aunt L) and shoe-boots, where you place boots on over socks and take your real shoes to school in a backpack. Jackets and hand-knitted mittens, probably with yarn keeping them in our coats.
Today I went out in my bright yellow Hunter boots. They don’t even sell them in the UK anymore but this company is based in Scotland (dear to my heart) and of service to the Queen and make the original “Wellies” or Wellington boots that any Brit gardener wears. Top that off with silk long undies, jeans, 800 fill-power Marmot down jacket, Scotland-purchased navy shell with hood, polartec headband and driving gloves…
I was the “Michelin man” and felt like the little kid all bundled up for my first day of school! A grocery shopping, package delivering, driving fool I was in my new Wellies. Many years ago in grade school, fellow students laughed at us for our winter gear that we needed when the bus dropped us off 1/4 mile from our house to trudge through the snow. They also laughed at us because our bus was a 1/2 bus because it only picked up kids out in the country so our commute was at least 1/2 hour to get three miles to school.
Today I sported my bright yellow Wellies with pride. I’m not afraid to have dry feet and make a statement at the same time, even that it’s the fact Overstock had these boots on sale. As for the balaclavas, sorry Aunt L, I appreciate your efforts and that you kept us very warm in hats and mittens in our formative years but don’t know if I’ll wear one again. Your beautiful hand-knit scarves, that’s another story.
A neighbor wore a sheepskin-lined hat that covered her ears the other day and was embarassed. I said “whatever works” as it’s probably below zero outside. We’re going to a concert by the University choir together next week, at a church in our neighborhood. Pippi Longstocking is alive and well and living on my head. I can’t wait to bring “her” into the local knittery where I’ll have my first lesson after my fingers stop cracking and bleeding from lack of humidity in the air.
We’re getting the few gifts sent out that we’re giving to youngsters in the family. Perhaps Jim and I can find someone to take the dog and we can regroup for the new year and take a few days off. One year without a day off gets tired and stale and we don’t want that in our lives. May your holidays be about family and togetherness. From being made fun of by other students to my irrational fears of not being accepted over the years, I’ve created a home and family and culinary niche. If someone doesn’t like my winter gear, so be it. I’m like the ducks here in the Spring, the insults just roll off my back like water. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 