I woke up to the dark this morning. My first Nor’easter’s blowing in, bringing rain and wind. It’s loosening leaves still left on the trees.
On our walk this morning, Finn and I met another dog swathed in a billowing brand-new, yellow rain slicker, still with its store tag on. His human wore a matching slicker.
I’m finding myself strategizing about the best times to walk with him. Listening to the weather report—when will rain be lightest? Preparing the pile of old towels for drying him—it takes a lot to dry a Tibetan Terrier!—and wiping his feet. It’s our wet weather system.
And I’ve returned to a trusted fall practice: keeping a pot of ginger tea simmering on the stove. Taking advantage of the farmers market, I’m using just-harvested ginger, with beautifully translucent pink and white skin. The smell, the feel of the warm mug in my hand, the spicy taste are enormously comforting.
How do you prepare for dark times? What familiar rituals do you practice to lighten your day? I’d love to know.
BTW, If you’d like to make fresh ginger tea yourself, it’s simple. Fill a big pot with water. Set to simmer. Chop and add several ginger bulbs. Taste after an hour or so. You can add more or less ginger, depending on your taste. If you like, add fresh lemon juice and honey to your cup. Research suggests ginger stimulates your immune system, as well as your senses. Enjoy!
