It is another cold day here. We have a windchill of -14 F (-25 C). I just got back from a four mile walk. Outside. I was warm and comfortable the entire time, thanks to winter gear.

I thought I would share what I wear to walk when it is very cold out. I used to stay inside when it was this cold, but I’ve found I’m a much happier person if I get fresh air every day.

When it is below 10 degrees F I wear wool socks and good winter boots. I don’t wear cute winter boots, as I have not found a pair warm enough. I have a long down coat with a hood. I only zip the coat, I find I get too hot if I snap it. I wear a running base layer from back when I used to run. I wear fleece lined jeans (under $30 at any farm store) tucked into my boots. If you don’t tuck your jeans in you will regret it when the cold air hits your calves.

The hardest parts for me to keep warm are my head and hands. I wear Head technical gloves from Costco under mittens. The gloves are windproof and allow me to change podcasts without totally exposing my hands. I wear mittens my friend Jess knit for me (OK, I told her I was going to steal them and she gave them to me. I regret nothing). If it is about 10 degrees I only wear the mittens.

On my head I start with a headband. It might seem silly, as I cover my head with a hat, but if I don’t put it back before I start my hair falls into my eyes and I have to take off my hat and mittens to adjust it. I wear a light hat (a worsted hat would be too hot), my sockhead cowl, and my hood. It feels excessive, but when it feels like -14 out I need excessive to stay warm.

Do you get outside in horrible weather? What do you wear?

It is cold windy here. We have several inches of snow on the ground. It is too cold to play outside. It sounds awful, right?

It’s actually pretty awesome. My in-laws took the kids all day. John and I have been lazing around like we did pre kids. I have been knitting and sipping tea. He has been doing….hmm…I don’t know…..computery things….in his office.

We took a break to do a puzzle together. Shutterfly offers often suck me in, and I thought it would be fun to have a puzzle of our family. It was really fun, and I will be making a puzzle of our photos again.

We also played Tiny Towns, a game we got for Christmas and hadn’t figured out how to play yet. It is a really fun game, and might replace Knitting the Card Game as our regular game night choice.

I’m now going to catch up on blogs and drink even more tea before John goes to go pick up the kids and we have to live like grown ups again. I hope you are having a relaxing Saturday too.

Two of my favorite podcasters had after Christmas sales on their yarn, and I couldn’t resist. My stash is in a good place, so I don’t feel guilty about buying more yarn.

I bought two skeins of Stranded Dyeworks Merino Sport in Batcave. The color is unlike anything I’ve worked with before, and I think I’ll be working into some colorwork with black as the other color.

I also picked up some Chormatic Yarns by the Corner of Craft Sturdy Sock in Guardian of Nature. I love this colorway. I don’t know what I’ll make with it, but it seems a waste to use it on socks (which I rarely say). I also picked up an enamel pin, as I am unable to resist enamel pins. She sent a bag of Bird and Blend tea with the yarn, which I hope to brew and sip while I’m knitting this weekend.

I am very excited to knit with yarn dyed by people I watch regularly. It almost feels like I’ll be knitting with them in person.

This is one of those weeks where it feels like I knit and knit and make no progress. I think that is a problem with shawls. I swear I’ve been working on it, but the only reason I can tell is because the progress keeper has moved.

I’ve turned the heel on John’s sock. I’m now at a mindless point, perfect for swim lesson knitting tomorrow. I’m enjoying having a pair of socks on the needles I don’t feel the need to rush through.

What are you working on this week? Do you feel like you are making any progress?

One of the best parts of coming to visit my parents is steak night. They let me make them the fanciest meal I know how to cook: roasted asparagus, hot bread, and seared filets with blue cheese crowns. We enjoy a meal way too big for anyone and drink red wine and talk, usually for over two hours. It is a nice time to catch up with my mom and dad after the kids fall asleep.

Do you have any traditions that you have when you visit family?

I’m visiting my parents this week. I love spending time with them and the kids adore them. One of the best parts is bedtime. My dad pours me a drink and I knit while my parents read to the kids and tuck them in. A & E have no interest in me while we are here, and I am just fine with that.