All Hallows Eve - Samhain night

It has come to the time of year where the sudden drop in vitamin D, plenty of gray days and roller coaster temperatures cause a deepening feeling of malaise. This morning we had our first snow. Nothing stayed but the winds are howling. The flu season has started early this year. While no one is sick we are all feeling a little bit crummy.  Thankfully our schedule has slowed just a little bit.  This opens up time to relax a little close to home. Of course relaxation is subjective when you're the one everyone seems to call when in need. We don't mind.

Home Made Vanilla

In my spare time from budget meetings,  health care appointments, house guests and the like I've managed to practice a bit magic in the kitchen. There has been a lot of comfort food prepping going on. Chicken broth, beef broth, soup, stews, sweet breads, scones, oatmeal, cookies and vanilla extract (click on the photo for recipe), all made from scratch have consistently filled the house with warmth and warm scents.  Candles burn, music plays and afternoon tea is served.

Chicken Noodle Soup

It is a sacred time of year and the most sacred of eve's comes tonight. The outside fires will burn and we'll be wrapped up against the cold wind to enjoy them. This is the time of year I prepare my home for hibernation making it as cozy and comfortable as I am able. Warm ovens, warm scents, warm fires and warm hearts will fill the closed in spaces of the coming winter.