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Around Here- February Edition

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Around here, we are solidly in winter and it’s a real winter unlike some recent ones where there’s been little snow. It’s cold AND snowy right now. I like the snow but dislike waking up on these subzero nights to run water so it doesn’t freeze. Keeping the bird feeders full has been something of a project as well. My feathered friends are desperate for nourishment in our frozen world.

Around here, work is keeping me occupied and is occupying my thoughts outside of work hours too. It’s that time of year and I have to remind myself that this too shall pass. Consequently, I’m throwing all my energy into protecting my own mental health.

To that end, I’m spending a lot of time curled up with a blanket and a book. In fact, I’m about six books ahead toward meeting this year’s reading goal. Don’t be impressed though. I’ll soon start falling behind. When the weather warms up, I’ll be out adventuring instead of home reading. I’m savoring every word and every page right now, grateful there are so many smart people out there who write good books.

I am thoroughly enjoying my reading and quiet as I chip away at the book stack that’s now occupying a good chunk of my dining room table. It’s a visual reminder of all the amazing books awaiting my attention and a reminder of how much I enjoy the written word.

Around here, I’m also enjoying the sixth season of All Creatures Great and Small. This is not a reboot of the original tv show but a reimagining of the amazing stories written by author James Herriot. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in the years leading up to (and now at the end of) World War II, this show is quite literally the only thing I look forward to seeing. It is a tragically short season of just seven episodes. It’s one of those shows that I will watch and rewatch because it’s simply that well done. I once heard a critic refer to it as slow tv, an annoying but apt description as the show focuses on the people and animals rather than explosive one-upmanship like so many other modern tv shows.

Around here, slow tv is a welcome part of my attempts at slow living. Those slow living efforts are made easier by the continuation of my No Spend Challenge. This continues to go well and be fun but I’m suddenly very tired of deciding what to cook and feeling like doing dishes is my full time job. I know this is just a phase but I sometimes think how delightful it would be to just order pizza.

Around here, Scout has been cozying up in the strangest places, finding warmth and comfort wherever he can. He’s a funny guy and a good little companion who is thrilled to have me home more this winter.

Around here, I’m snug and happy in my snow globe world, thankful for my job and all the comforts it brings to my life -even if I’m in the midst of a rough patch.

And as always, I believe that having things to look forward to is a key to happiness so I’m working on making sure that I have plenty to anticipate including a weekend away with my Pittsburgh pal this spring.

Around here, life is pretty good.

Slow Day Before The Snow Day

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It’s nine degrees here on the ridge this morning. I slept late because I was awake a few times in the night, running water to make sure it didn’t freeze.

The birds are now fed. The backyard is still snow covered in places and I was especially conscious of the sound my shoes made with each step. Crunch, crunch, crunch as I swung my metal pail full of seed.

There’s a pan on the stove, cooking up a modified concoction of something I saw on Instagram this morning. A guy I follow who has given me some good recipes in the past showed something that uses up a product from my freezer as well as a couple of pantry items that have been sitting here too long. If it works well, then I have a new recipe for the future. If it doesn’t, well, we have to learn somehow.

I like these mornings of gentle productivity. No rush or stress. No one making demands other than Scout wanted his breakfast. My phone hasn’t buzzed once this morning.

The last I checked, we are squarely in the ten to twelve inches range for snow plus some ice. Of course, that still depends on which meteorologist you listen to but that’s enough to keep me cozied up inside this weekend. Books and a puzzle await me.

For now, the sun shines but it feels like the calm before the storm.

Wherever you are today, I hope you are warm, fed, and safe from the very real dangers this world may throw your way.

Silent Sunday: January Moon

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First Saturday

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It’s the first Saturday of a new year. How will you spend it? We get just 52 of them in 2026 so it’s best to spend the time wisely.

It’s also the first weekend of my No Spend Challenge so I’ll be home, doing home things and hopefully reading. I’m in the middle of a page turner. In fact, I fell asleep reading last night, waking up to the book hitting my face.

How lovely it is to fight sleep in favor of just one more page!

It’s also lovely to have a furry little friend to check on you and curl up close. Scout will be glad to keep me company while we relax today.

This is how I want to spend this day. It’s a choice and I’m glad for it. Wherever you are, I hope you are choosing to do something that brings you joy and peace as well.

Snowy Day

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Snow came fast and heavy yesterday, prompting me to cancel plans and stay home. I made a pot of tomato soup and watched the birds attack the backyard feeders. Renee Zellweger’s depiction of writer Beatrix Potter played while I idly flipped through a magazine.

This was my first day in I’m not sure how long when I wasn’t required to carry on a conversation, go places, or even use my brain for much.

All my internal batteries have been badly drained lately. There’s been no time to recharge and I’ve been venturing into treacherous waters as my nervous system is lit up like Times Square most of the time.

So, yesterday was absolute, immeasurable, and pure bliss. Was I sad for my cancelled plans? Yes. Was I happy to do what I was doing? Also yes.

This morning dawned cold. After breakfast I ventured out into ankle deep snow to check the bird feeders and snap a few pictures. It was gray then but the afternoon has since transformed into a gorgeous blue sky day. After my walk, I came in for a hot shower with peppermint scented soap and promptly curled up with a book and cup of hot chocolate.

I write to you from a soft perch on the couch where I can see the Christmas tree indoors as well as the snowy day outside.

Classic Christmas music plays in the background while Scout luxuriates in a patch of sunlight.

This is what I needed and I am grateful for two slow days in a row.

Make no mistake, there are a million things that need my attention. I brought home a work proofreading project. Gifts need wrapped and Christmas cards need attention. My house needs a good scrub and I need to pay a couple of bills. I have got to make a list of last minute gifts, stocking stuffers and a plan for baking and cooking.

Things need done and a little planning goes a long way toward simplifying life later.

For now though, I’m going to continue relaxing and simply enjoy being. I hope you will do the same.

Decluttering

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Decluttering has been an ongoing project around here for a while. That’s because I’m moving at an absolute glacial pace without any real hope for improvement in this lifetime.

While motivated to not suffocate under the weight of my own stuff, I’m stymied by two things:

  1. The phrase “but it’s really nice” often slows down the process. I have to constantly remind myself that if I don’t need a thing, it doesn’t matter how nice the thing is. Do you know that until about two weeks ago, I owned five colanders? I cannot begin to explain the reasons behind this.
  2. I collect things with potential and I hate to let go of potential. Vintage items that will someday be rotated in to my home decor, random craft projects, and scraps of ribbon and fabric (because you never know when you might need precisely five inches of a beautiful blue ribbon) are particular weaknesses.

I realized this week that I own so many black socks there is no reason to ever again wear an uncomfortable pair of socks. Slidey socks are unwelcome here.

Scout isn’t all that helpful. I emptied this fabric box earlier this week and he has laid claim to it. He seems to believe it’s the nicest box he’s ever set paw in and hasn’t been receptive to my suggestions that we move it. We certainly can’t give it away since he’s discovered the creature comforts of having a fabric box of one’s own!

I did drop off a carload of donations a couple of weeks ago and have another bag started already. Progress is progress, I guess. Even if it is slow!