She's So Cold

 

Well, we're fresh out of the Polar Vortex and I have to say, it was quite the experience. Unlike Texas, which really bore the worst of it (those poor people, oh my god) we had a few seriously sub-zero days, broke some records, and had two days of rolling blackouts that we were warned about in advance. We lost power for 1 hour, early in the morning, so I just went back to bed. Danny and his dad both slept through it and didn't even notice. As poorly insulated as our home is, we had ample heat, hot water, and came through it by largely staying home. I did take the car for some longer drives to make certain the battery stayed in good charging condition, but otherwise we really had it pretty easy. Back when we were driving the Mighty Ford Tempo (RIP) we bought one of those portable battery chargers for the car. You do need to make sure it is charged up before leaving home, but having that thing with on super-cold days is a lifeline. We have a road assistance plan, but it can take time for them to get to you on a day when everyone else is breaking down. Here's a similar model to the one we have . 

Dressing for the cold typically means a poloneck and a cardigan for me. Beth's bunny slippers optional. 

A warm mohair cardigan does a good job keeping me warm, particularly when paired with a silk mock-neck beneath it. 

So fluffy, sure I looked like a cotton bud, but I was warm! 

Still, when the serious cold hits, only a Dale of Norway cardigan will do. I have three but thankfully I've only needed to wear one so far. It stays cold in Nebraska well into Aprl though, so I'm not packing them away just yet. I've had this one since the 80s and yes, it still fits, but not the same as it used to. That's OK, after close to 40 years there'd be something wrong if my body didn't shift around a bit, particularly after the menopause. 

Here's a closer look at the socks, given to me by a neighbour circa 1980. She couldn't get them over her feet, so I got them. They're still in good shape and the elastic is working after all these years of wear. I know it sounds terribly old-ladyish to say it but,  "They just don't make things the way they used to!" There, I've said it and it is true. 

This 1980s alphabet pullover would be perfect for a primary school teacher, which I no longer am. Well, that's not entirely true as Dan has been schooling remotely from home all year, but technically I'm not teaching. Believe me, he no longer requires my assistance unless it concerns laundry or food. The trousers are vinyl, and surprisingly warm-sort of like wearing a bin bag, but classier. 

I've had the shoes since high school. See what a sense of humour I had? I believe those are also the original laces! I don't wear them too often which probably contributes to their longevity. Here's a fun fact-in Chicago we would call these, "Gym Shoes". I never heard, "Sneakers" or "Trainers" until I moved to Boston. 

When it gets super cold outside, a Donegal Tweed blazer is a nice way to keep warm

Worn with a Loden skirt I bought in the 80s, I stay both dry and warm on snowy days. While Loden isn't waterproof, it is water resistant and dries with a quick shaking out. I've never regretted the money I spent on the suit though I rarely wear the jacket or trousers anymore. 

Sometimes a Pendleton '49er jacket will do. This one's a re-issue of their classic design. I have several, some original, some more recent and they're all fantastic. I don't know that I'd go as far as calling it a "Shacket" as people seem to be doing all over Instagram, but whatever you call them, they're an indispensable part of my winter wardrobe. 

Sometimes polyester flares find their way into my wardrobe.

No, I don't know why either! 

They're sooooo wide. 

Whatever inspired me to wear a leather waistcoat with a wool skirt, I couldn't say but I was pleased with the combination. 

This polyester coat dress has a sewn-in dickie sort of collar to look like I shirt. I might remove it and just wear the dress as a duster coat. I really don't care for it as-is. If it were good vintage I might be conflicted about taking it apart, but there's no shortage of polyester dresses from Wards (that I'm aware of anyway). 

This polyester dress however, isn't being messed-with (though it needs the hem repaired). Some things should be left as-is. 

A check of Instagram tells me it has been nearly two years since this dress was last worn. Interestingly, it was worn the day after the dress in the previous photo! I must have packed them away together. How strange is that? 

Today I wore two items I bought in the 90s and am still wearing. 

I'm not sure about wearing my hair up in braids. On some people it can be very Frida Kahlo, on me it comes across more Dorothy Day. I admired her, but I certainly never wanted to look like her! I am however thinking of cutting myself fringe. We'll see. 

Here's the newest Victorian hairwork brooch I ordered. I can't tell if those are tiny pearls or milk teeth fragments inside. There's three different hair colours inside and three "pearls". I hope it isn't three dead children, but childhood mortality was high then, and not at all uncommon. I'm hoping they're pearls but I haven't opened it to check. 

Here's a quick look at some accessories

I haven't really been baking, but I made Danny Fairy Bread for Valentine's Day and he thought it was fun. It isn't supposed to be made on raisin bread but that's all I had. I've learned not to question Australian foods because they always turn out to be better than expected. Sure, a slice of bread spread with margarine and cake decorations sounds bad on paper, but in reality it is a well loved treat. I didn't indulge because just the thought of my teeth on that makes me uncomfortable, but the teenager in the house said it was good and I'll take him at his word. 

On the dinner front about the only interesting thing I made recently that was photo worthy (Fish chowder doesn't photograph well) were these tofu kebabs I made in the oven. 

So that's about it here. I'm still getting caught up with your blogs (sorry, I'm trying to do better). For someone that's home all the time, I still seem to be buried under a mountain of work (The book plods on and on). I hope wherever you are you're comfortable and safe. Take care.