Cold Winter Morning
Posted on 31. Dec, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in House, Outdoors, Personal, Prince Edward Island
Sometimes I have occasion to drive to Charlottetown, PEI’s capital, to do business. And sometimes I have to show up there for 8:30am. In the winter, an 8:30am appointment in Charlottetown sees my morning as follows. There’s no jaw-dropping twist to this story; the following is just a simple scene from my simple life.
I am sleeping. The wind is howling and the snow is blowing outside, but inside our house the woodstove keeps us so toasty that we’re sleeping nothing save our pyjamas and a sheet.
My alarm goes off. I am jolted awake, and I scramble off the end of the bed (I’m jammed on the wall side and Cameron gets the aisle seat). I head to the windowsill to turn off the alarm. In utter darkness, I make my way out of the bedroom by feel and by sheer familiarity.
I immediately head downstairs, still groggy and half asleep. I head to the back hall. I fish around in the pile of coats and curling pants and scarves, looking for my snowpants. I find them, and I pull the snowpants on over top of my pyjamas. I look for my warmest down jacket and slip it on. A scarf, toque, and mittens are quickly added to my outfit, and I grab the flashlight from its very important home near the back door. I slip on some once-stylish-now-turned-farm-boots-due-to-salt-damage. I’m not wearing any socks.
I grab the snow shovel, and I slip out the backdoor. By this time it’s 5:20am, but it is still utterly pitch-black outside, the sun still asleep like Cameron upstairs. I survey our car in the beam of my flashlight. The windshield and side windows are covered in snow. I start scraping and clearing the windshield, still half asleep.
The car clean, I shine my beam down the long driveway. I can only see a few feet ahead of me, so I always walk the length of the whole driveway–about the length of a football field–checking how deep my sockless-boot-clad feet sink into the powdery snow. Too deep and I’ll have to wake up Cameron and get him to blow the driveway with the tractor. Not too deep and I’ll just clear the problem drifts with my shovel.
I bumble along shining the flashlight back and forth, poking snowdrifts with my salt-stained boots. Occasionally, I’ll stop to shovel an uncharacteristically deep spot where the snow has blown and settled. I get to the end of the driveway where it meets the road. Because of the lay of the land, this spot’s the worst. I spend most of my time shoveling this area. The wind blows my hood off, and I’m glad I took the time to wear my toque. My nose is starting to feel cold. I shovel some more.
Thanks to my shoveling, I deem the driveway now clear enough to be passed by our 4×4 vehicle. I head back to the house, looking forward to a hot shower.
I crank the “H” tap as far as it’ll go, and I’m thankful for our plumbing work. The shower could use a good scrubbing, but I dismiss that thought as soon as it enters my mind. In the shower, I start planning what I should wear. I’ve got a few clothes laying on the spare bedroom bed. Hopefully I won’t change my mind about my outfit and have to creep back into our dark bedroom and grovel around in the closet trying not to wake the still-sleeping Cam. Closet groveling in the dark always takes longer than you think it will and nothing is ever where you think it is.
Finally, dressed and ready for the day, I plan to make a smoothie for breakfast. A banana, an apple, some cranberries, some lettuce, and some mint. I load the blender, and I cringe as I crank the blender all the way to high. Poor Cameron, I can envision him with his head under the pillow gritting his teeth until our Vitamix blender–which sounds like a dentist’s drill being amplified by a megaphone–is quiet again.
I take my smoothie up to my computer, and I do “the rounds,” as I call them. I check my email, check Whimfield, check in at PEITalk, and read some of my favourite blogs. I may or may not also check my website statistics about seven times a minute.
I watch the clock. By now, it’s almost seven. Time to get going if I want to have a pleasant, slow drive into town to get to where I need to go for 8:30am. The drive can be done in less than an hour, but I give myself an extra half-hour of wiggle room. I hate to keep people waiting.
I grab my coat, purse, and briefcase. I throw my hood up, and I race in heels from the warm house to the cold car. It’s a 1982 Landcruiser–the same age as me. When I’ve got to be somewhere important, I always think a quick, “Come on car… Don’t fail me now” thought as I press the glow plugs and wait for the old beast to chug alive on the cold winter morning. Invariably, she starts fine. I then think, “Good girl. You never fail me.” and I give the dashboard a loving pat.
By this time, the sun is starting to rise. I can see a warm glow rising across our neighbours’ fields. I sit in the car, letting the engine warm up a little. I don’t even try to turn the heat on; the old car won’t actually generate any feelable heat for another twenty minutes or so. I reflect on my calm, plodding morning. Once past the groggy state, it’s nice to be awake before the sun rises. It makes me feel alive. (Shoveling snow at 5:30am will do that to you.)
Kerry
Dec 31st, 2009
I’m an early riser, therefor I am the one responsible for the morning chore of taking our dog outside upon awakening.
These days, it means bundling up, throwing my coat over my robe and grabbing a flashlight, as well as the dog and leash. Quite a feat to get it all together so early in the day.
I’m rewarded by an icy stillness, sometimes moonlit, a peacefulness found in the country. I love this time of the day.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 1st, 2010
As you and Bradley note, there is a certain stillness and peacefulness isn’t there. It’s like you’re alone in the world. It can be magical.
By the way, oh what we (well, not “we” per se but people in general) seemingly happily do for pets (and children). We still have no pets. We were recently considering a cat, but…
Vicki
Dec 31st, 2009
I’ve always admired the early morning riser. Thanks for sharing what it would feel like to be one! I think that I will probably never be one though. I can just picture you getting ready for your day. I hope that you don`t have to shovel too much. Shovelling is actually good for you though. It will build your muscle mass!! We talked about that, remember. Called today, but you must be out. Have a great New Years & all the very best to you & Cam for 2010!!!!
Vicki
Dec 31st, 2009
Happy New Year Cam & Laura Jane
Vicki
Dec 31st, 2009
I’ve always admired the early morning riser. Thanks for sharing what it would feel like to be one! I think that I will probably never be one though. I can just picture you getting ready for your day. I hope that you don`t have to shovel too much. Shovelling is actually good for you though. It will build your muscle mass!! We talked about that, remember. Called today, but you must be out.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 31st, 2009
We are home now!
Kim
Dec 31st, 2009
Laura-Jane – Lovely post as always. No idea you were a raw foodie! I’ve been toying with the idea of going raw and it seems to be popping up everywhere I turn these days. hmmmm…Maybe someone is trying to tell me something.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 31st, 2009
I am a raw vegan, yes. I don’t talk about it much, and I haven’t mentioned it here at all (except today in passing), I don’t think. I’ve been a vegetarian since 2000, but just started getting into raw foodism this year, thanks to Vicki above (Cameron’s lovely, inspiring mother). I cannot say enough good things about it. It is certainly not for everyone, but it really agrees with my body and lifestyle. Rawfoodtalk.com is a great place for inspiration and ideas, and my site as you discovered. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 1st, 2010
PS: Kim, I would be curious to know how you find out about raw foods and what your motivation would be for going raw.
Kim
Jan 4th, 2010
I’m a member of MyFoodDiary.com and ran across a woman on the forums who completely turned her health around with a raw food diet. I see a lot of similarties between her and myself so the wheels started turning. She’s also Canadian. What is it with all of you up north? :) You seem to have figured out everything ahead of us down here.
I’m starting a detox next week — it’s not all raw, but it’s close — then I’ll go from there. I will be popping in to your other site from time to time.
Cheers!
Bradley
Dec 31st, 2009
What a wonderful description! I could feel being there.
My dog makes me arise early in the morning, but it is a glorious time in any season; for the quietness, the beauty (even in the darkness), the sounds and the moment to just pause and think.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 31st, 2009
That’s odd, I felt as though you had written somewhere what type of dog you had, but I just perused some of your old comments and could not find it. Did I just make that up? My mind plays tricks on me, as do all of ours at some time or other I suppose.
Gary Gray
Dec 31st, 2009
Hi L-J
Enjoyed your early morning experience.
I’m afraid at 5:00 a.m. my body is enjoying the warmth of my bed just like Cam. (smart guy)
Now, don’t get me wrong. I could tell you stories of when I did the two, two and four shift as an air traffic controller in the military. Or of two years having to be at work in Montague for 8:00 a.m. after spending the weekend with my family in O’Leary. (a two hour drive) And of four years working till 4:00 a.m three nights a week. I got to know all of the local night people and used to love to do my hour long walk after I got off work. At that hour of the morning the lobster fishermen have gotten their lunches at the Tim’s drive thru and have their diesel engines fired up for another day on the water.
I love how on the day of a full moon how it rises as the sun is setting. Well I have seen it setting as the sun was rising. (also an awesome sight)
Can I share a poem by Rudyard Kipling? Here it is
I keep six honest serving-men
(they taught me all I knew)
Theit names are What and Why
and When and How and Where
and Who.
…..Rudyard Kipling
Not related in any way to your post but I had just happened upon it and wanted to share. Thanks!
Smiles :o)
Gary
Mom Marjorie
Jan 1st, 2010
I am sort of speechless at envisioning your hours of slogging preparation to get out of your driveway, and then with a long day still ahead of you, and then the return home along the wind-blown-snowy roads and your driveway.
I remember your grandma (Connie) in her last few years emotionally staring at her hands, while talking to them, thanking them for serving her so well for almost one hundred years; no arthritis, or such, perhaps(? because of her rather sheltered-from-the-elements way of life. So, braving-the-elements Laura-Jane, please take care to keep your hands and feet as nurtured as possible so that they will keep supple your whole lifetime.(So, how about wearing socks in your boots at 5:30 AM; angelic and cute Connie may be watching from above!!)
…..”as pure as the driven snow” (this phrase jumped into my mind, thinking of the snow, and you, my beautiful daughter).
May you have a glorious, Happy New Year, Laura-Jane and Cam! love, mom
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 1st, 2010
Oh Mom, do not fear, you know that I exaggerate these things for the sake of a blog post. :) I think her Grandma Connie’s attitude (and yours) toward life, love, and thankfulness affected me greatly. I will do my best to take care of my hands and body as well as I can.
If our bodies are working right we should be thankful. We are not all so lucky and things can change in an instant.
Love to you and Grandma too…
Liz
Jan 1st, 2010
Hello, I know what you mean about mornings and appreciating the beauty and tranquility that comes with them. My husband recently started a new position which requires him to be at his workplace for six am. I have started to get up with at five am and love the almost two hours I have to myself before I wake our children.
I get so much done during this time of no interuptions and I make sure that I get to have time just to think and read. I find my day goes so much better when I am up earlier, although the downside is an earlier bedtime than I would like. Sometimes you have to make the sacrfice; mind you, I’m not out having to shovel snow.
Happy New Year.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 1st, 2010
Having time to one’s self is so important. Good for you for finding that time for yourself. I know what you mean about the downside though, I could barely stay up for New Year’s Eve last night. But presumably we both think it’s worth it.
PS: Mind you, shoveling snow is a lot easier than having children! IMO…lol. Snow is only around for a few months of the year. :)
I love children, and may even have my own someday. But the thought of the responsibility does scare me just a wee bit, especially babies.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 1st, 2010
PS: Liz! Love your blog! I’m over there right now.
Liz
Jan 1st, 2010
Thank you so much! It’s just a pet project of mine with a passion that I love.
I enjoy reading your blog. It would make a great book one day. I love the look into your life.
Olivia
Jan 1st, 2010
I, too, am an early riser. Always have been. I am the one who fires up the wood (cook)stove and warms up the house before the others get up. I love that early morning time to myself. But as for raw food – I couldn’t function without some hot food in my tummy on those cold mornings. Summer would be fine but winter . . . the cold seems to pierce right through my bones.
Kim
Jan 1st, 2010
Great post, Laura-Jane. The only time I’m up that early is when hubz has to get up for the early shift. Or in the summer, when it’s nice and warm, to let the chickens out.
Too funny how you have to suss the driveway out. Lucky Cameron that you don’t make HIM do it! (I know I’d make Martin do it, if I had to be somewhere, lol)
Freda
Jan 1st, 2010
We had snow here in Arkansas but alas I was in Iowa at the time where there was a lot of snow. My daughter-in-law does most of the snow shoveling. She loves it. Son does some but only after she has done the majority of it. Our snow here in Arkansas is most often gone by the next day. I do miss it.
I love the early morning and very rarely sleep past 5:30 am and that is late for me.
Have a wonderful 2010 and be careful and safe.
Bradley
Jan 1st, 2010
Your mind is as sharp as always (as I would believe also of Cameron). We have a whippet and because of her Scottish blood (father’s side), it may be why she loves the snow.
I’m excited and happy for your mentioning your dietary style. It may be another topic of interest to pursue in your articles. Both Cinthia and I have been vegetarians for many years. It may not agree with everyone, but it does with us. It does not take away the value of good friends(meat-eater or not).
melanie
Jan 2nd, 2010
I too am an early riser – and love being one. To be honest, I kind of wish Moira slept in a bit in the morning so I could have more time to myself but she seems to be an early riser too. I’m sure I will laugh about that when she is a teenager and I can’t get her to get out of bed before noon.
Naomi
Jan 2nd, 2010
I guess I should stop complaining about my morning routine! Making 3 lunches and dragging 2 sleeping lumps out of bed is a piece of cake compared to your routine!
Happy New Year Sister! I’ll be thinking of you on Monday morning!!! xoxo…
Sayantanee From India.
Jan 4th, 2010
For once I’m really happy that I’m in warm sunny India, where my biggest problem is how do I wash my head in the morning, temperature 6 degree celcius, inside house as well, as we do not have central heating, & I do not like room heaters!
You always make people’s day, no mattert how!
Wish you & Cam a great year ahead….
Kim Naumann
Jan 4th, 2010
I always enjoy reading your posts. Although I don’t always comment on them (hard to do with a figgity toddler on my lap) I do read each one. I don’t know about you but I love my little morning traditions :) The horribly strong coffee, feeding the dogs, all of it.
Oh, and Oliver and I have an appointment to go take a look at the inside of our ‘dream home’ on Saterday! I’ll go write that list now! Happy New Year :)