Chorapi Keeping My Feet Warm

The nights seem to get chillier as they grow longer. We try and sit close to the plug-in radiators, but we've found that in addition to wearing a pull-over and possibly a sock-cap, it is absolutely necessary to have a nice pair of what we affectionately refer to as 'baba-socks.' The name refers to the older ladies who usually make and sell them. 'Baba' means 'grandmother' and also refers to older ladies. In most cities or villages, there is a bazaar or just people selling their wares on the street; if you're lucky you can find a kind old lady who has sown together a pair you like. They don't always have a large selection, so if you are picky you may have to hunt around. But I would say that these toastily-warm woven wool socks are essential for surviving the impeding chill. Last year, I was told horror stories from other volunteers who lived further inland and who found that they had to put their water in the refrigerator overnight because if they left it on the counter in their kitchen it would be a block of ice in the morning! Most volunteers only manage to heat one room during the cold winter and spend most of their time in that one room, so you can see, these socks really are essential. The memory of the many chilly evenings of last winter has me wanting to gather as many 'baba-socks' or чорапи in my sock drawers as possible this autumn before I begin to see my breath in the living room again!