Let’s hope, dear readers, that it is indeed late winter. Oh, please make it be late winter. How I would love to see a glimmer of spring on the horizon. Maybe a few warmer sunny days, some melting snow. A few patches of mud and perhaps even a gushing culvert or two.
Oh, I know it’s too soon for that. Way too soon. I expect that solid signs of spring are at least a month away. But this week, I’m tired of winter. Tired of being cold. Tired of my boots. And maybe, like Madeline Khan said in Blazing Saddles, “I’m just tired.”
I know the reason. I’ve been having back issues this past week. And pain is never conducive to positive thinking.
Still, we can try, eh?
So, I’m going to close my eyes, and dream of hot sun on old stone walls. Of cobbled streets and shaded outdoor tables. Of frothy cups of rich coffee. Cold glasses of white wine served with dishes that I don’t know the name of, but which taste like heaven. And narrow roads through rocky passes leading to whitewashed towns.
There. That feels much better.
Of course one way of getting through late winter besides dreaming of far away places, is planning a trip to a far away place. Which is what Hubby and I are doing at the moment. We’re planning a trip for the fall, heading back to Spain, with a few days on the Algarve in Portugal.
We’ve been having long conversations about when, where, how, and for how long. Hubby calls them our “consults.” I do my research, he does his, then we meet in the sunroom with fresh cups of tea and our notes and discuss.
We’ve narrowed down the areas we want to visit. We’ve researched towns and cities, villages and parks. Traced routes on the map. Decided how many days we’d like to stay in each place. Looked at possible travel dates, and researched flights. We’ve encountered a couple of glitches, had a rethink, plotted a new route and timeline, and now we think we’re ready to solidify our plans. I will, of course, tell you more details in a later post.
If you’ve not been reading my blog for long, you might enjoy this old post about our “travel personality.” What we like and why when it comes to travel. You can find it here.
In the meantime, it’s still late winter. Spring seems a long way off. And our trip seems a very, very long way off. So, besides our planning, I’ve been dreaming of the heat. And looking at travel photos. Like the one below, taken last year in Caracena by our lovely host, Maria. Gosh, we loved that place.
I liked my outfit that day too. The burgundy sweatshirt and Adidas sneakers were great travel pieces. But I must say, my first thought when I looked at that photo was, “My god my legs are long!” I look like I’ve been stretched. Ha.
Liking what I wear is always important to me. Even when I’m travelling. Of course I want to be comfortable, warm, cool, dry, whatever, depending on the overall climate and the weather. But I want to like how I look as well. And on our trip to Spain and the Azores last year, I found I wore everything I packed, except a linen top that I threw in just in case of unexpected heat. I’d been burned in Portugal in 2023, pun intended. The heat was excessive and I found some days I had nothing to wear because I had packed pieces that were too warm. Last year I hit it just right.
No matter where we go, I always look at what other women are wearing. On previous trips, I thought the women in Rome dressed really well, as did the women in Zagreb. Better even than Paris, I thought.
Last year, in San Sebastian-Donastia, in the Basque region of Spain I saw lots of chic outfits. Not fancy, not overdone, not super trendy… just modern, and chic, with a nod to trends. As with everywhere we’ve been in Europe, comfortable footwear was de rigueur. But comfortable footwear that completes the outfit. Women dress for their body-type and for comfort and still look cool and current. I took a few photos as we strolled along the waterfront.
In the photo on the left, I love the cream and tan bag and flat shoes the woman is wearing. They brighten up the all khaki look of the hoodie and jeans. In fact, I’m not sure that isn’t a “co-ord” or maybe even a jumpsuit she’s wearing. I saw quite a bit of dark green and khaki green on the ladies of San Sebastian.
The woman in the middle photo has popped her collar and is wearing small white earrings with her white linen (or cotton?) tunic and khaki cargoes. Khaki and white is lovely together. She has hit just the right combination to look casual, comfortable, and yet polished.
Notice how the woman on the right has the collar of her light blue shirt out over the collar of her green jacket? I like that. And she has the cuffs of her jacket undone which works better with the looseness of her jacket. With the burgundy bag on her shoulder, and her hair in a messy bun, she looks great, I think.
I also loved the two looks below. The older lady in the grey skirt and woolen jacket with that blue and purple scarf looks wonderful. The raffia shoes and bag are a bit of a surprise, but they make the whole outfit more current. I love the grey, tan, and black combination worn by the woman on the right. She has a white shirt on under her grey coat. The tan and white sneakers make what could be a pretty basic work outfit look more chic and less serious. The scarf with a hint of tan pulls everything together, and the polkadot print adds interest. I love how her outfit is much more complex than it looks at first glance.
Hubby and I chuckled when we spied the scene below. The patient seagull waiting hopefully for a few crumbs from the girl in the navy raincoat. She ate her lunch and read her book, seemingly oblivious to him. He did not intrude on her peace, as one might expect a seagull to do. He just sat there quietly. Was, in fact, still there when we wandered past and then back again a few minutes later. Perhaps this was a scene played out each day at lunchtime. She reading and eating, he waiting patiently.
I can tell you that I would not have been as tranquil as she was if I were sitting that close to a seagull. Ha.
Hubby and I were well pleased with our day strolling San Sebastian-Donastia. We love being next to the ocean. As we headed west along the coast the weather became less and less conducive to strolling. Except for a hot sunny day in Bilbao, most of our ocean drive was stormy and cool. I love a stormy sea. But not to stroll along when it’s raining sideways.
This upcoming trip we are deliberately spending more time on the ocean. We plan to stay in Tavira in Portugal for five or six days. That’s so yours truly can get some ocean time. I miss being by the sea. Not necessarily lolling on a beach, just by the ocean. When we were first together we spent time every summer on Prince Edward Island, which Maritimers simply call “the island,” before heading to New Brunswick to visit family. I was reminded of this when I came across the photo below.
That’s me on the ferry to P.E.I. the summer of 1989, shortly after we were married. We spent part of our honeymoon canoeing in Algonquin Park, and part on “the island.”
You know, I’d wear that outfit today. Long-sleeved white tee shirt, white cotton cardigan, high-waisted jeans, sneakers, socks, basket bag. I can’t remember the last time I owned a white summer cardigan. But growing up in New Brunswick in the sixties every girl and woman had a white summer cardigan. If we weren’t wearing them, we carried them neatly folded across our forearm.
Does anyone else remember that?
Dreaming of warm weather and beautiful places, of what women wear in those beautiful places, of what I wore when we travelled years ago has started me thinking of travel packing. What I own, what I will bring… you know the drill. It’s way too early to start thinking of planning my packing. But I came across the IG account below, and what the creator Natalie calls the “capsule sudoku” packing method. Her method is similar to what I already do; except a bit more organized, with rules, and with fewer pieces. But it looks like fun. I think I’ll give it a try. When I do, I’ll report back. Check out her IG account and this reel in particular for her explanation on how it works.
So that’s it for me, my friends. I can hear Hubby working away on his iPad in the dining room, doing accommodation research for our trip. I think he’s getting frustrated. He says his head is spinning. I told him he should probably stop now and go make dinner. What a good wife I am, eh? Always on the lookout for what’s best for him. Ha.
Let us know in the comments what you’re doing to help late winter pass more easily. Any trips planned? Any dreaming activities you can recommend? Gentle late winter reading? If you try the “sudoku method” of packing … let us know how you get on.
46 thoughts on “Late Winter Dreaming”
I’m starting to feel sad that our warm weather is ending. I enjoy autumn leaves and cooler evenings but I’m reluctant to give up being able to throw on a linen dress, sandals (often my beloved Birkenstocks) and being dressed for the day, either casually or more polished, depending on the dress. It’s so easy and comfortable. I find all the colder weather layers more exacting and even exhausting. There are more choices that can feel overwhelming. Of course, I won’t be totally sorry to give up humidity and excessive heat.
Thank you for sharing the selection of well-dressed European ladies. Lots to ponder. I hadn’t thought of khaki and white as a colour option and it’s good to be reminded that texture is also an important consideration. Your spring trip sounds glorious. Happy holiday planning.
I yearn for the feeling of just slipping on my jeans, a tee shirt, and a pair of Birkenstocks. 🙂
Sue,I have similar cardigan in cream and wear it during the spring/ summer season (with a cream t-shirt) styled pretty much in the same way as you’ve wear it in 1989 :):) with a tweak here and there ! Or tied around my neck. Naturally,white or navy/ black cardi/sweater is always in my car-you never know!
Sudoku Method is new for me,it looks interesting,I’ll see if it works for me
Thank you for mentioning Zagreb,people are really stylish here -if I may say so(maybe too much lately,too many visible brands and less listening to one’s own style feeling). I love Italian style and people watching is pure joy (while drinking coffee or a glas of wine)
Fingers crossed for your travel plans,so important to know your travel personality,you are right!
Dottoressa
Dear readers ….:):):)
I have such fond memories of strolling downtown Zagreb and people watching. Such a lovely city. With such lovely inhabitants. 🙂
It’s good to plan trips away in chilly gloomy winter & I can understand you returning to Spain , it’s so unspoilt away from the costas with masses of historic buildings . One place we loved was Cuenca , a fabulous old town hanging over a gorge but you’re spoilt for choice & I’m sure you’ll find places I’ve never heard of . We are catching the train to Edinburgh in the morning to wander round for a few days & visit our favourite restaurants . The weather report is changing by the hour so packing is quite stressful but the most important thing these days is comfortable shoes . I love all the outfits of those Spanish ladies , so fashionably understated . None of them scream ‘ look at me ‘ but still worth a good stare . On our first visits to Spain there wasn’t much fashion around & Franco was still in charge . Always a beautiful place though .
For some gentle reading I can recommend A Case Of Mice & Murder by Sally Smith , the first in a series of which I’ve read two .
Wendy,have a wonderful trip!
Thanks for A Case Of Mice & Murder,looking forward to read it
Have you read a new J. Godfrey’s The Barbecue At No 9.? I’ve loved it
D.
Thanks D . I’ve got J Godfrey’s book on my wish list to get round to . Glad to hear you enjoyed it . We should have our own little book club 😁
Wendy
What do you mean “we should have”? We do. I now have two books to add to my list. You guys are my go to persons for book recommendations. 🙂
P.S. Enjoy Edinburgh, Wendy. What is it like in the cooler weather? We were there in July.
The big plus of visiting at this time is less crowds . We can wander around without waiting for the ‘ crocodiles ‘ to pass . The locals have time to be friendly & cafes etc aren’t packed out , you can feel the city better . Perhaps that sounds churlish but I’m not keen on heaving cities . The downside is you need to be prepared for cold weather . The wind blows off the cold North Sea nearby & whistles down the wind tunnels of streets . We raced along Princes Street last night back to our hotel . But that’s ok , we are hardy Yorkshire folk – nearly as hardy as you Canadians ! And anyway the sun is shining this morning & the castle is crystal clear from our window .
Ah the Alhambra , we’ve visited twice & wish I could see it again for the first time .
I’m not at all surprised you’re heading back to Spain – I got the feeling last year that it was totally your vibe. Are you planning to visit Sevilla? One of my favorite cities in Spain, and probably the best dressed women there. Chic and casual, without being over-dressed. You’ll get some great street fashion photos there, for sure.
A couple of my favorite day trips from Tavira: Alcotim, on the Guardiana river, with a Camino route for your hiking pleasure (and a zip line from Spain if you’re feeling daring!), and Isla Canela, over the border into Spain. Gorgeous wide beaches and marshes, and a salad we still dream of – just perfect sliced tomatoes with a little onion, some salt, and drizzled olive oil on top. That and an ocean view made for a perfect stop.
Thanks for the Tavira recommendations, Carol. The only large city we’re planning to visit is Granada. That’s because I’ve always wanted to see the Alahambra. But I think Seville is out. I hear it’s lovely, though.
We are just about to be finished 2 1/2 weeks in Mexico. – Mexico City, beach south of Cancún, and Veracruz city.
I did really well on my packing this trip. I brought everything I needed and not really anything I didn’t.
The women in Mexico City and Veracruz have an excellent aesthetic- and I love the street art that is everywhere here. The break from this year’s unrelenting winter is much appreciated. Our daughter has agreed to shovel us a path up the driveway so we can roll out suitcases up to the door when we return next week!!
I’m so happy for you guys that you’ve had a great trip. And a good break from winter. Tell Audrey there’s snow coming! 🙂
A trip to Europe! Is there anything better to do than plan one in the winter? Every time we go, no matter where or the season, I find I’ve reignited my clothing game by the time I get back. I now leave a little space for clothing purchases! On Portugal….i know your itinerary is firming up but may I suggest Lagos as a place to stay or visit? It is just wonderful.
J’ai honte de le
Nous nous pret dire ,mais en Provence le printemps est déjà là .La végétation a démarré et je nettoie mes massifs ,je plante des fleurs .Les rosiers ont déjà des feuilles ….et il fait entre 15 et 20 degrés dans l’après midi….
Je n’ai porté que des vestes légères tout l’hiver tant les températures ont ete clémentes …
Nous préparons nos voyages de l’année car nous circulons en camping cars a cause de nos deux petits chiens .
Notre véhicule est tout récent et le confort est maximum tant pour la cuisine que pour la salle de bain …
Mais je ne cuisine pas en vacances ,nous allons au restaurant pour le déjeuner et le soir nous grignotons ….
De toute façon ,après un repas copieux au milieu de la journée,il est impossible de se remettre a table le soir …
Nous fuyons la foule et la chaleur…
Comme nous connaissons déjà l’Europe du sud ,nous partons vers le nord …
Je vous souhaite un beau printemps et un bel été …
Enjoy your spring, Celia. And the camping adventure. Sounds lovely.
Thanks for the suggestion, Cynthia. But Lagos is where we stayed when we were on the Algarve in 2023. It is lovely, you’re right.
I’ve never been to Spain, but each time I’m in Italy I usually end up snapping surreptitious photos of women’s and men’s outfits as you did here with the Spanish women. I usually like the outfits on the older folks the best, as I do in this case (the woman in grey). It’s about the little things and the completeness and the care in dressing. I’m a bit more of a haphazard stylist, but I’m constantly inspired by details and it’s a lovely reminder that one never has to give that up.
Enjoy your trip planning and hopefully your back pain will dissipate this week!
Thanks, Steph. My back is much better. The lady in grey had on a gorgeous outfit, didn’t she. And the tan raffia shoes and bag changed up the vibe to be a bit more modern. Much better that black.
Wonderful to hear that you are heading back. The planning is brutal at first. I did so enjoy Spain and Portugal. We are heading to warmer climes in the Caribbean on Wednesday for 2 week cruise to most of the eastern islands, some of which I have not been to as yet, so looing forward to that, and of course the weather. It is all the apps to keep track of that is stressing me out, but soon we will get to relax.
Baby your back, and I certainly hope it gets better soon.
My back is much better, thanks, Diane. Hope you have a great cruise. 🙂
Sounds as if we’re very much on the same wavelength right now — I posted yesterday about being in the middle of trip planning for the fall. Not the same urgency here to flee the weather, since our dreary stretches of rain have been interrupted by a few sunny days, but still . . .
My biggest travel packing challenge is making room for the hiking gear (especially the boots!) and enough “normal activity” wear so as not to bore myself silly. Thank goodness for my Kobo — at least we don’t have to make room for the books as well, as when we travelled before e-books!
I always wear my hiking boots if I’m taking them. Saves lugging them in my suitcase. They take up a ton of room. Happy trip planning.
Sue, what a wonderful activity, planning a trip back to Spain. We were in San Sebastián Donastia last September, and I was totally in awe of the way the people dressed. We were travelling for two months with a carry on suitcase each. I tried very hard to pack light and still be stylish. My photos show varied success! I too snapped a few pics of ladies, their ease of dressing and being both comfortable and put together. Later in Seville, it was October and still very hot, the ease and coolness of beautiful linen pants loose vests, linen dresses always with comfortable footwear. Not sure if your trip includes Seville, as I know you eschew big cities, but I fell in love with that city and its people. Despite the heat and crowds (even in October), everyone was friendly and helpful. The city itself is beautiful.
We just missed each other in San Sebastian. We were there in early October. I’m afraid we’re not going to Seville, although we were tempted. I will have to remember that October weather in the interior of Spain will be very different from the Basque region.
Oh, I get the back issue! After a few weeks of pain I hauled my self to a pool a 30 min drive to the next town, 3X a week. 4 weeks later I’m happy to report the drive in crappy cold weather is totally worth it for pain control. I signed up for 3 months, by the end of April spring will be blooming
Good for you, Brenda. My back issue is more fluid than yours, I think. I usually have a few days of pain and anti-inflammatories, then it abates a bit and I can start my physio exercises which really help.
Oh how I long for more of late winter. I’m all the way across the states from you in blazing Arizona and our temperature today (on only March 1!) is supposed to be 91. Yikes! I always wonder if on your planned trips you hit high temperatures in the months you’re traveling. I admire your “venturing” spirit.
Oh my gad… that is uncomfortably warm for any time, Claudia, let alone early March. We encountered high temps in both northern Australia and in Buenos Aires over the years, and in Lisbon in 2023. I am NOT at my best in the heat. This time I’m planning to take more appropriate clothing than in 2023. 🙂
Never complain about those long legs! I look forward to your weekly Sunday Posts. Thank you!
Thanks, Chris. 🙂
Yesterday was the first day of autumn for us, marked by cooler southerlies heading up from Antarctica. Summer has been fairly non existent here with very heavy rain with floods, slips and unfortunately a few deaths.
With the world the way it is I’m not sure we want to head north of the equator any time soon so I suspect it might be trips to Australia to visit children and grandchildren in late winter.
Like you, I am also a people watcher when we travel, and I do remember how I admired the older Italian women on a few trips to Italy. Nothing overdone but just put together beautifully.
I’ll enjoy reading of your plans for your trip to Spain and if sudoku packing works.
I don’t blame you about staying in the southern hemisphere, Kenzie. Enjoy your trip to Australia. 🙂
Yes yes I can hardly wait for summer. I’ve been in the house too much this last month. I’m in the prairies and we’ve had a few weeks of cold weather and lots of snow. When I’m inside for too long I tend to look around my surroundings and start redecorating. I’ve made subtle changes in my living room and major changes in my master bathroom. I like what’s did but I know it’s because I’ve been inside for too long starting at my walls. I’m heading out to Spain Austria and Switzerland this summer and expecting lots of heat so I think I’ll gave a look at my linen. Actually focusing on my wardrobe reminds me that warmer weather will arrive I just have to be more patient!
I hear you. Getting out of the house is key to not wanting to change everything inside it. Ha.
We’re under almost 3′ of snow here in New England with a melt coming this week so it’s the perfect time for me to get back to planning our trip to New Mexico, USA for late spring. I sew and knit and craft so I’m happy to stay inside during the winter but I must admit I’m getting antsy for spring! Thank you so much for passing along the packing Sudoku! I keep trying to be a minimalist and it keeps not working but that is a brilliant system. Good luck with your trip planning, would love to go to Spain and Portugal someday!
I hear about the New England winter from my sister who lives near Boston. We live in Florida now and although I hate the summer heat here, I certainly do not miss those horribly long New England winters! Hope it all melts soon. I do remember one bad winter where snow was still seen in piles here and there in April!
I know you guys have been bombarded with snow this year. Enjoy New Mexico, Sue.
I wish I had long legs! Every pair of pants needs to be shortened unless they are cropped and they almost fit right. I chuckle when I read about your long winters! I live in sunny Florida where I cherish the winter! yes, our long winter of about 2 months! I get to wear pants, sweaters, and long sleeve shirts. Can you imagine a place where you can only be comfortable in pants for only 2 or 3 months of the year? I get so tired of wearing shorts and tee shirts the rest of the year! And I love hearing about your vacation plans! At this time in my life, I have a responsibility for an elderly sister who I visit twice a year in New England and those trips eat up our “travel” budget. Big sigh! No exciting travel trips for my husband and I any time soon. Spain sounds wonderful!
Managing long term care for an elderly relative from far away is stressful. I found it so when I was helping my mum. There’s no “just dropping by” to deal with things.
Not commenting on your long legs! Other than…spare a thought for us vertically challenged ladies 😂
Funny you should mention holidays abroad. I’ve just paid deposit for cruise around Japan and South Korea for March 2027.
As a Bonus, I’ll just need a refresh of my winter clothes which I will have worn, culled and sorted out during our Australian winter.
I hear that Japan is wonderful. Maybe that’s our next trip. 🙂
That’s too far ahead… We’re only in the first week of our autumn !!
Enjoy autumn, Cee. 🙂
Loved this column! Just planned a first time trip to Santa Fe and can’t wait to try the Sudoko method (I do the numbers kind every day) and wonder what else might benefit from that approach. Here in the upper Midwest (USA) it might get to 50 degrees F for a couple of days and I am looking forward to walking on sidewalks clear of ice and snow.
Meanwhile, after several months, I’m next in line for The Correspondent (on hold at my library).
Just started reading the Correspondent yesterday…and I’m halfway through. Such a wonderful book. Hope you like it as much.
P.S. I’m currently trying not be be jealous of your impending ice-and-snow-free walking in Santa Fe. 🙂
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