The Long Winter

Winter had lasted so long that it seemed it would never really end.

Laura Ingalls Wilder from the book "The Long Winter."

Remember the Laura Ingalls Wilder's series "The Long Winter?" It's the sixth book in the collection. A lot of drama plays out in this book with a tale of a family near starvation, a town crippled by lack of food when blizzards keep the supply train from reaching the settlers. The story is told through the eyes of 13 year old Laura which takes place in the fall of 1880 and continues through May 1891 in De Smet SD. This story told turns out to be one of the worst winters in US history. At one point the snow depth was 12 feet and trains could not get through. By Christmas time the grocery store no longer had food and Laura's family runs out of coal and kerosene. Just remembering details from the story makes me think about all the winter woes many states have been facing, particulary in Texas. All the basic necessities we all take for granted can be in peril overnight. Even today like Laura's family many are waiting for supply trains to bring them relief.

The focus on food in "The Little House" books becomes a celebration for the Wilder family. They are grateful for what little food they have to help them survive the long winter. And a Christmas celebration in May brings them most joy. 

Some of the information above comes from an article that appeared in the Star Tribune paper The Long Winter February 9, 2014 by Lee Svitak Dean.

https://www.startribune.com/the-long-hungry-winter-of-laura-ingalls-wilder/244068281/

Yes indeed food can bring us together to share and celebrate common life experiences. Since we aren't quite ready to have in house gatherings consider sharing soup to brighten up someone's mealtime.

Try some of Ever Ready favorite soups

Cream Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/02/cheesy-creamy-potato-soup-with-bacon.html

Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Homemade Crackers 

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/11/weekend-round-up_12.html

Slow Cooker Italian Wild Rice Soup

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/02/healthy-friday.html

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup with Noodles

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/10/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-noodle-soup.html

Italian Orzo Soup with Spinach andSausage

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/10/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-noodle-soup.html

Meatball Soup with Spinach and Cheese Ravoli

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2019/01/meatball-soup-with-spinach-and-cheese_15.html

Spreading some joy with some sweet treats