Burn Wood, Bank the House With Snow

Full moon outside my window.

It is a frosty winter wanderland out there. Instead of chop wood, carry water, it is more like burn wood, bank the house with snow. 

Also, mend wool socks, go snowshoeing. 

Or stay warm, eat comfort foods. 

House banked with snow for extra insulation against the cold.

It has been so cold that I had to bring in the apples, potatoes, onions, and garlic I had stored in our attached garage because it had uncharacteristically gone below zero during our prolonged cold spell.

The brook is high and flowing fast now, but was frozen over not long ago.

With all the snow that has fallen over the past week or two, I have been able to log my first, second, and third snowshoe hikes to wander down into the valley to the brook back behind our home. 

The deep snow reveals tracks and signs of all kinds of critters, and you get some idea of what they are up to when you are not around. Looks to me like they are having some fun snorkelling through the deep powdery white stuff.

Old growth trees cloaked in a coating of puffy snow.

I got out to enjoy the snow just in time, too, because the cold snap is about to relent, and rain is on the way. The forecast is for plus temperature highs during the day, meaning the snow will vanish over the next two weeks of warmer weather.

Until that happens, a nice bowl of hot pea soup sounds like just the thing as the light fades on another wonderful frosty winter day.

How about you - are you chopping wood, carrying water, or burning wood, breaking ice? 

Let us know how your winter is going in a comment below. Or conversely, tell us about how it is summer where you live, and make us warm and snuggly.

Continuing the Practice: My 10 Point Plan for 2026

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, unless it is resolving to not make resolutions.

But after experiencing a year of daily mental/physical/spiritual practice, I can see the value of stating how I intend on continuing my personal growth into the next year.

Therefore, I am sharing my 10 point plan 

for 2026.

1. When things go wrong, I’ll focus on my own reaction instead of blaming others.

2. I’ll feel genuine gratitude toward everyone I encounter, even those who challenge me.

3. I’ll approach every day with a light, positive attitude, no matter what happens.

4. I’ll practice calm and kindness even in busy or stressful moments.

5. I’ll stop overthinking or judging others and focus on my own growth.

6. I’ll let go of habits driven by ego and focus on what truly matters.

7. I’ll avoid gossip, sarcasm, or harsh words about others.

8. I’ll root out any pleasure in others’ struggles and choose empathy instead.

9. I’ll keep my mood steady regardless of praise, criticism, success, or setbacks.

10. When strong emotions arise, I’ll pause and gently explore what’s really going on.

My hope is that readers will also find value in these ten mindful ways to keep living simply - inwardly and out in 2026.

No apps, no tracking, no pressure - just gentle reminders to live with more space, clarity, and kindness.

Happy 2026 - Year of the Horse.

Note:these intentions are adapted from my favourite of the 59 Mind Training Slogans of Atisha.