It is time for Friluftsliv!

This post is inspired by my friend, KJ.

We were chatting the other day.  She told me about a farewell party for a friend of hers at a local restaurant.  She went into the restaurant and, while it was far from full, she immediately felt uncomfortable indoors and ordered her meal ‘to go’.  She and her friends have decided to brave the outdoors, regardless of the weather.  They are talking about bundling up by fire pits and investing in outdoor heaters. An important part of this story is that she lives in Montana and her weather on Saturday was snowy with a high of 18 and a low of -4.

Enter Friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv)

It is the Norwegian tradition of celebrating time outdoors, regardless of the weather.  Here is an article from National Geographic with more information.  And here is another good one.

 As you know from my blogs, I have a fascination with all things Nordic.  And while my father’s family immigrated from Norway, nobody would describe me as the outdoorsy type.  I hate to camp.  But I do like being outside.  And with the pandemic, outdoors is the place to hang out.

My friend, MC, and I hung out at a local park on Saturday AM.  And while we weren’t in Montana weather, it was only in the 40’s which is pretty chilly here for October.  We took a walk and grabbed some hot coffee to warm us up. So we practiced Friluftsliv light!

Even with a pandemic, we can spend time outdoors with friends if we are dressed appropriately.  As the Scandinavians say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!  So this could be our ‘shoppertunity’ for outdoor gear – coats, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, shoes and fire pits!

But before I close, I do have to admit to envying my friends who live in CA and AZ.  Being outdoors for them during the winter months is pretty much a no brainer.

The pandemic is so isolating and hanging out with friends outdoors can be the ticket to keep us going, regardless of the weather!

Head outside with a friend, partner or pet and I will see you on Wednesday,

Allene