friday five: let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

At RevGals Singing Owl writes: I am looking at the weather forecast with a sigh of resignation. You see, our glorious unseasonable stretch of sunny days is ending and rain mixed with snow is in the forecast. The weather guy actually said, "This is probably the last nice day till spring, folks..." So, I am trying to plan ahead. Help me out, please. When it is cold outside:

As a transplanted Yankee to the temperate middleness of Tennessee, I miss snow! Sure, winter is cold, but there is nothing comparable to the quiet and gentleness of snowfall, nor its first-fallen beauty. Without snow you can't build snow forts, make snow angles, or watch your dog's euphoric behavior romping in it. To me, snow is a kind of bliss. It's okay, you can call me crazy. I can take it.

1. What is your favorite movie for watching when curled up under a wooly blanket?
I confess that my movie-watching isn't seasonal, so as long as I'm toasty and warm it could be anything on my "watch" list. My preference is drama.

2. Likewise, what book?
Anything that absorbs me and is well written.

3. What foods do you tend to cook/eat when it gets cold?
I love homemade soups and stews. I've got a great minestrone recipe from Canadian Living (they know about winter!), and my personal favorite is corn chowder made with bacon, curry and chicken.

4. What do you like to do if you get a "snow day" (or if you don't get snow days, what if you did)?
Bake cookies. Especially if it's before Christmas.

5. Do you like winter sports or outdoor activities, or are you more likely to be inside playing a board game? Do you have a favorite (indoors or out)?
When I was young and impervious I loved playing outdoors, and my family skied. With age, outdoor activity isn't my cup of tea. My favorite indoor activity is to work on a jigsaw puzzle. With a fire going. And a full pot of tea. Alas, our youngest dog makes jigsaw puzzles essentially impossible.