We are still celebrating Christmas here, in fact only halfway in today. Why have 4 weeks of Advent and only one day to celebrate? We celebrate by having plenty of family time (hikes, new puzzles, board games...), solitude (reading all those new books!), and having people over for brunch, lunch, and suppers. It's a good time to reconnect with God, ourselves, and others. Yesterday evening I made up a full gallon of Russian Tea. Zounds, it was good. I used orange ceylon tea, 8 oranges, 6 lemons, plenty of cinnamon and cloves, and a bit of pineapple juice for sweetness. It's delicious hot and full of vitamin C! The only way to go wrong with it is to google some recipe and start with some canister of pseudo orange flavored "drink". Anyhow, good coffee morning and Merry continuing Christmas ☕️ #coffeechain

Well the hawthorn has fallen, but I've left it for the wildlife this winter. Same for the old apple tree, where I noticed a rabbit run to for shelter. Winter really is beautiful, and though plenty is decomposing, there is a lot of growth happening under the scenes, waiting for the right time. We could learn a lot by resting and waiting likewise, trusting that one day spring will come, nourished by the dead parts that have fallen.

A very merry Christmas to you all! Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Ps 30:11-12

Feeling too sugared out? A cup of broth with plenty of salt in the morning helps to set things aright. I like to add a spoonful of home grown and powdered garlic 😋

Cayenne is a wonderful herb to take off the chill, and is great to increase circulation as well. Here I am adding a touch to a small pot of hot chocolate. Mixed in chocolate, I don't notice it right away, but there is a definite "afterburner" warmth. For more herbs that can help warm you up, here ya go!

Herbs to Take Off the Chill

Stay warm, friends!

#herbalist #grownostr