The Winter Blahs.

Up in the far north (that is to say, any location above the Mason-Dixon line) we start dreading winter when the lilac blossoms wither up. That event generally occurs at the beginning of June, so you can see how we might be tired of winter before it ever arrives. Generally speaking the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is nearly intolerable. That's the time when the winter blahs set in for real.

It's really too early to "hole up" in the house. In fact, almost any sourdough will tell you that it's pure foolhardiness to stay inside no matter how filthy the weather gets. Winter is plenty long enough to get cabin fever later on. No sense starting early. Of course, getting out this time of year requires some creativity, and since that just so happens to be my specialty, let me get you started.

The Armchair Traveler Takes a Dream Vacation

The object here is to experience the locale without actually going there. First, decide on some place to "visit" (hey, there is no budget here; take your dream vacation). Like any good traveler, you need to prepare for your trip. Half the fun is anticipating the experience. Once you choose a destination, head to the library to get ready for the trip.

Check out as many media forms as possible to "take" your trip. Look up videos (documentaries or movies filmed on the locale) or audio books, find cookbooks and Fodor's or other travel guides about the location, look up magazine articles that feature your destination.

Eating tofu etouffee while you listen to zydeco music or playing Mancala after a searing bowl of Moroccan chick-pea soup is bound to warm up your insides and cheer your spirits. Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to "go," remember to laissez les bons temps rouler!(*) Who knows, someday you might take a real trip there.

Crazy Chain

This activity requires other families (or individuals) to participate. At least three--but more if possible. The premise is simple. At one place you eat (if you have enough participation you can even split up the meal, having appetizers at one place, salad at the next, and the entree at the third). Continue on, playing games at the next house, followed by dessert at another. You could sing at one stop. The possibilities are endless. The only rule is that there is one activity per stop.

Mall Madness 

Congregate with as many of your friends as possible at the nearest mall, where you will play--get this--hide-and-seek. Choose one person or one couple to "count" while the rest go find a store to "hide" in. Whoever is found first is "it" next, and everyone who is "found" helps to find the rest. Have dinner or ice cream at the food court when everyone is too tired to play anymore.

The In-Towners

You know the odd thing about traveling? We often go to the ends of the earth to experience where everyone else lives and never appreciate where we live ourselves. Look in a travel guide about your area and view it with the eyes of a stranger. Find a local bed-and-breakfast or charming hotel and book a weekend getaway. "Tour" your hometown as if you were a tourist. Go around the corner to the Norman Rockwell museum you've never visited. Get tickets for a school play or listen to local talent perform at a church or library. Do the things you never do and you'll come to appreciate your hometown in a way you never did.

Wherever you "go" during these blahs, remember that where you go isn't half as important as the spirit of adventure you bring with you. So bon voyage!([dagger])

(*) A French expression that means "Let the good times roll."

([dagger]) Another French expression, and no, it doesn't mean "You can even drink the water?" It means "Pleasant journey!"

Celeste perrino Walker staves off the winter blahs by touring her hometown of Rutland, Vermont, as a tourist.