Welcome to Hibernate 2022 – Week Four
When I heard that snow days may be in jeopardy because online learning has become so accessible a quiet, “noooooo” rang in my head. A snow day is so much more than not having school, it is a gift to all of us that courageously embrace living in the north. Every winter I find myself praying at least once or twice for the snow to come down in such a large quantity that it stops us from getting out, it mutes all the noises around us, and it demands that we stay home. All expectations are dropped and the busyness that fills up our days disappears; a snow day ushers in slow living.
With online learning taking off and my youngest child graduating high school this spring I worry that the gift of a snow day may be a thing of the past. I need days where life moves slower, and expectations are lower. How will I get these days, if snow days are gone?
I think my answer lies in the practice of a sabbath. A day of the week that is for rest, worship and play. Marking off time on my calendar each week to play board games with my family, to blast worship music in my kitchen while cooking a favorite meal, and a time when my phone is silenced and the screens are still. I need sabbath days that exist throughout the calendar year. Slow days that can be full of the quiet peace, playfulness, and coziness of snow days.
- Jennifer
There is an art to having the perfect snow day. With the month of March still stretched out in front of us, we have a good possibility of at least one more snow day. But, if work doesn’t close down and you have to go in or we don’t get this one last magical day because the weather turns warmer, a perfect snow day can still exist.
This week consider what a perfect snow day would look like to you. Write down all the details; the food, activities, naps, etc. Then look at your calendar and mark of a day to have your perfect snow day!
My perfect snow day is:
Building a fort in my family room filled with warm blankets and pillows.
Watching a feel-good movie, Age of Adaline
Popping popcorn for lunch
A full French press of coffee
A good audiobook that I can fall asleep to.
A walk outside with my favorite mittens
Leggings, a baggy sweater, knit hat, and men’s wool socks
Once you have your cozy sweater on, it is time to find comfort in the perfect bowl of soup and a chunk of warm bread. Many local bakeries like Bay Bread in Traverse City offer day old bread at half the price. These pieces are perfect for dipping into a bowl of soup.
Ingredients:
5 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 to 6 drops hot pepper sauce
Directions:
Place popcorn in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients; drizzle over popcorn and toss until well coated.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup rosemary
10 cups popped popcorn
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Directions:
Place popcorn in a large bowl; drizzle with butter. Sprinkle with cheese, salt, pepper and rosemary; toss to coat.
With Love,
The Single MOMM Team & Our Favorite Popcorn
Amanda - popped in a Whirley pop at home with garlic ghee + olive oil
Brittany - Extra buttery and extra salty
Dani - Moose Munch from Harry & David
Jennifer - coconut oil with salt and pepper
Kammie - Movie theatre popcorn with milk duds
Kathleen - Boom Chicka Pop Kettle Corn
Karin - Garrett’s Chicago Style
Lindsay - Amish Style Yellow Popcorn
Patty - Movie theatre popcorn
Sarah - Boom Chicka Pop dark chocolate sea salt kettle corn