What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!

Subject: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Soldier boy
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 10:09 PM

It's winter and I'm feeling down!

I miss all the spring/summer/autumn folk festivals and miss my extended folk family. I know it sounds soft and pathetic, but I do.

I should just pull myself together and get on with life - but I find it hard to do.

I feel like I want to curl up into a ball and just hibernate like a hedgehog untill the planet warms up in the (UK) spring.

I know there are folkclubs and occasional folk gatherings but it's not the same. I miss all my folkie friends!

Am I just a sad, silly b****r or do others feel the same?

Help!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Alice
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 10:16 PM

I don't like the short days, lack of sunlight.
You're not alone. It is a common S.A.D.ness. (seasonal affected disorder)

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: kendall
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 05:50 AM

We still have gatherings to sing and tell lies, but I really miss riding in the antique car on Sunday mornings.

The first fall of snow is beautiful, but after the tenth it gets old.One year we had a total of 9 feet!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Midchuck
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 09:10 AM

The best thing about getting old is semi-retirement, which means I can spend time outdoors in daylight, during the months when a full-time day job in this latitude means you come to the office in the dark and leave in the dark. We need outdoor time in the light to stay completely sane - or as close to sane as we ever were.

I'm actually hoping for a very snowy winter. I want to do a good deal of cross-country skiing.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 09:22 AM

SAD is oft-discussed here, suggest you search up the thread with all the current advice. (Sorry no time here right now)

~S~

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 09:40 AM

SB - I do sympathise, it's fairly natural (SAD has been mentioned). Winter, though, is a season I look forward to greatly. We (me & Mrs Coggles) try to be self-sufficient(ish) in fruit & veg so we tend to be busy in garden/allotment from spring through autumn. Winter is a time for rest! It's also a time to catch up with indoor hobbies, a time for eating well, and it is a time for being warm and cosy - not perhaps curling into a ball hedgehog-like but an armchair by an open fire (at home or pub) takes some beating. Have you got any decent pub sessions nearby?

Winter can bring it's own outdoor delights as well. For me, the crisp freshness of a bright frosty morning takes some beating - I enjoy this just as much as summer sunshine and greatly prefer it to heavy, humid summer weather. In fact if it's too hot in the summer I find myself longing for winter and being out and about in crisp, clean air with the winter woollies on! Nice vid that sums it up here

Winter is a great time for planning the year ahead - selecting festivals, booking holidays etc (plus if you are a gardener planning what you will grow).

Perhaps the best thing about winter though is the reduced ironing - jumper wearing means you can get away without ironing shirts!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: skarpi
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 11:57 AM

jo you should be up here in the north atlantic , now I dont know where you are or live , but the day here is short and not much light to have
and we have not festivals and stuff like you , so make music , go and see people , go for a walk , read a book , number one
wake up early every morning , that is major must , anyway thats for me
:>Þ
so good luck .
all the best Skarpi Iceland

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 01:14 PM

Invite your folkie friends round for a singsong around a log fire....toast marshmallows and crumpets, washed down with some mulled wine to bring a smile...

They won't want to go home...

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 01:30 PM

Take lots of vitamin D to help make up for the lack of sunlight, and force yourself to go out and walk briskly and breathe the fresh air, regardless of the cold. It does help. Then learn some new songs and find friends to play them to (and with).

There have got to be some local song circles near where you live. A couple of musical outings a week can really help keep you from getting down too much.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: kendall
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 02:04 PM

I love Maine but I hate winter.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 02:55 PM

BurtonCoggles/Richard(?) - that was GORGEOUS! What a beautiful tune...I'd love to listen to more of that...off to the website of Richard now, thanks!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 03:03 PM

I admire the positive way of looking at it expressed in the winter verses of the old Newfoundland National Anthem:

...When spreads thy cloak of shimm'ring white,
At winter's stern command,
Thro' shortened day and star-lit night,
We love thee, frozen land,
We love thee, we love thee,
We love thee, frozen land.

When blinding storm gusts fret thy shore,
And wild waves lash thy strand,
Thro' sprindrift swirl and tempest roar,
We love thee, wind-swept land,
We love thee, we love thee
We love thee, wind-swept land.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 03:04 PM

No I'm not Richard but he's a rather talented friend. Lazy Sunday is lovely isn't it?

Pete.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 04:44 PM

I'd say! Thanks, again!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 11:58 PM

Well, I've gone to Yellowstone NP. Great place in winter: damned few people around, you get to ride snowcoaches in the middle of herds of bison and elk, the land itself is transformed.... Of course, it does get down to -24F sometimes, so bring your long undies!

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 06:43 AM

Get thyself here:

http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=87840

~S~

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: maeve
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 06:48 AM

Blue clicky for Susan's link, above

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 08:44 AM

me too... on a real bummer since before halloween. miss Virginia and the autumn colours. miss celebrations like thanksgiving. miss my family back in th States.

i am going to fall completely apart after my daughter leaves here from her Christmas visit.

hoping that the Kent winter folk scene resumes after Christmas to keep me from sliding to deep into the abyss.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 11:49 AM

If you're feeling a bit lethargic in the winter months, do what the Swedes do:

Drink!!! ;-)

Then sweat it all out in a blazing hot sauna for about 45 minutes.

Then when you are as hot as a little chili pepper, run out of the sauna and roll around naked in the snow!

It's incredibly invigorating, it wakes up every cell in your body, and you will forget all about being lethargic for awhile.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 12:09 PM

Curl up in your armchair with a cup of cocoa (plus splash of whiskey) and listen to these Radio documentaries (flagged up above the line) Singing Voices (the files open with RealPlayer free online plugin)

Mulled wine is good on a cold winter evening. Especially if combined with a good escapist story, see here (though some of them are really 'girls' stories!) Magical Ballads and Fantasy Fiction

Invest in some stout walking boots, a couple of walking books, make up a portable ploughmans lunch (or investigate village pubs with warm fires) and become interested in Photography (cheap now, with all the digital tech). Winter is wonderful for taking piccies, the landscape is so picturesque.

If single and retired (or even if not), instead of hibernating, get active. And do one of those cheapo National Trust working holidays in a part of the countryside you've always wanted to see - and of course make some friends in the process: National Trust Winter Working Holidays

Better still, use the time you're longing for the past Summer festival season preparing for the next. How about learning a new instrument - in preparation for Summer festivals to come.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 12:47 PM

Newport Boy, I'm afraid (based on the average age-range of folk enthusiasts) I'm presuming you're around retirement age, and feeling especially low from the seasonal disconnect from folkie buddies? I took the liberty of having a quick scan of some of your recent prior posts to gain a better picture of what might possibly be 'your thing', and from what you say, it seems you're pretty active on the festival scene during the summer - no wonder you feel the bite of the cold when the season grinds to a halt!

Anyway, me & my Mr. recently joined the Camping & Caravanning Club, and they do regular 'Rally' events' where members get together on holiday. Better still (for those into it, you may think it's awful?) they have 'Winter Sun' Rallys. See here: Winter Sun C&CC Rallys

Otherwise further to my pevious posts, I'd definitely suggest you look into your local clubs and maybe take up something new? A Film Club, Photographic Club, The Ramblers, Local Conservation, Watercolours, Pottery.. y'know, just something that gives you a regular excuse to get out and make new friends off of the folk circuit. Check your Library and Adult Education classes maybe, they usually have stuff starting in January.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 12:53 PM

Try to start a 13 year old Citroen which HAS to be moved off your drive. You will feel much better when you go back inside the house (apart from the grazes on your knuckles and your bad back).

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 02:52 PM

Tnk, Maeve.

~S~

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 30 Nov 09 - 12:14 PM

Hi Soldier Boy,
Many of the posters here have described some very good "lemonade" ideas. And do try some of them, if practicle. Another approach (perhaps mentioned in the other thread which I have not clicked to) is true sun lighting. There is a company (one of many, but they claim to be the ones who were first) called Sunbox. Go here:
http://sunbox.com/

We have a table-top light and a pair of visors. And let me tell you, they make a world of difference when used properly. I happen to believe that since we evolved from adapting to the seasons, that doing less activity and sleeping longer are the natural course for us. But ever since Edison--DAMN you, Edison!--and the light bulb, we have been "fooling" ourselves into using more of the hours of the day against our nature. But the Sunbox lights allow you to make the best of it. But also, do try some of the suggestions from your fellow Catters.

Good luck; Let me know how you do: [e-mail]

Saul(goldie)

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: kendall
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 09:11 AM

In one of Bill Bryson's books he said that in Norway three people and abottle of beer is a party. In Sweden the national pastime is suicide.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 09:25 AM

Jaze, but it's cold today; 14.16 GMT and I've just put the heating on. Times like this I wish we had a real fire; times like this I wish I'd found time in the autumn to fit the stove...

Off to make myself a pot of rose hip tea and a chicken-skin* sarnie; on an oven-bottom muffin with plenty of Dijon mustard and fresh spinach. Actually I might forget about the OBM and roll up a load of spinach in chicken spin. To accompany this repast I will select a suitable CD; now advent is with us, a few Ensaladas I think. How much? Still, only a matter of time before he gets them out on Alia Vox. Buy the MP3s; heartily recommended for SAD sufferers!

* Not actual chicken skin, rather Morrison's wafer-thin chicken slices which I call chicken skin...

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Mar 17 - 12:43 PM

anyone else feel like this?
last week, I did.
This week, for some reason, I'm less depressed. Maybe because February is over?

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Senoufou
Date: 01 Mar 17 - 01:23 PM

I'm the same, I hate the winter, and it seems to get worse as the years go by (old age I suppose)
Love the idea of getting boiling hot in a sauna then rolling around naked in the snow. I'm just imagining our neighbours' faces at the sight of me doing that in the front garden!!! It would cheer them up no end I'm sure.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Mar 17 - 05:57 PM

Daylight Saving Time in less than four weeks -- always comes as a bit of a jolt.
But I'm not at ease with the reverse, either, because suddenly it gets dark so soon.

Subject: RE: DC
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Mar 17 - 09:23 PM

The daffodils are blooming along with crocus this last week of February. Is 68 degrees at night.
This February was hotter than any March.
Cherry blossoms start in 2 weeks

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Mar 17 - 02:30 PM

you could always re-run "Who's On First" with Abbot and Costello.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 03 Mar 17 - 08:01 AM

that ALWAYS made me laugh. I had it on a poster, I could just read it and laugh. I was still depressed, but I'd had ONE laugh.

But seriously, full-spectrum lights in your office. Made a HUGE diff when I had boss do it for me. Ha ha.

Subject: RE: What do we do in winter?-I'm oh so sad!
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Mar 17 - 08:57 PM

I just stay indoors until I can't take it anymore and unless the Mounties check up on me...oh, wait. That was in the Yukon. Now my wife and I take trips to places like Northern Manitoba and up beyond the Arctic Circle in Norway. You go south, we go north,