Snow Day!

We finally got snow! I was skeptical this morning when it was mostly rain. I took the morning off to celebrate my birthday and when I left my house around 9, I did not think we would truly get much in the way of snow. However, when I came out of the first store, my car was white. And it's been coming down ever since. 

I got a cute little bud vase and found some flowers for it.

My original plan had been to take the morning and drive to Salt Lake to some indie bookstores, but then I decided to stay around town. It turned out to be a good idea. I ended up with a new pair of walking shoes and a tall plant stand for my bedroom. It's white, but I got a can of spray paint at Michael's as well so when it dries out, I can change the color. My plant is now much higher up and closer to the window where it can get a lot of indirect light. I had my birthday Dr. Pepper at lunch and I have tickets to a play this evening. I think the snow will be stopped by then. 

I may still hit up some bookstores this weekend. I've got a few I'm looking for. We'll see. I've got a ton of laundry to do. I'd like to find a pair of water shoes for water aerobics so the pool doesn't keep taking the skin off my big toes. I'm loving water aerobics, but that part is annoying. But with that, I think I'm about done with birthday shopping month. 

And the snow is still coming down! This makes me so happy. 

Random

This morning on IG the algorithm showed me a random reel of a symphony and choral song and I looked it up on YouTube. It’s called Waloyo Yamoni and talks about letting it rain and rejoicing and it made me cry; it’s so joyful and the voices are so beautiful. I think the title means Overcome the Wind.  Anyway, that’s a great start to the new year, for sure. I need more wonderful music in my life.

I’ve also been coming across the idea that January shouldn’t be a time of new beginnings. It’s still deep in winter and darkness and we should still be embracing the slowness, especially after the busy Christmas season. Renewal is for spring. I absolutely love this idea.I don’t want to be all busy and suddenly decide to exercise just because the calendar changed over. That never works for me anyway. I prefer a more constant flow to life, a steady climb instead of jumping off a cliff.  

So yes, I’m still celebrating the darkness and coziness of winter. I had my tree and other decorations down on the 27th, but I left out candles, my little box with glowing fireplace, and even the snow globe depicting a winter scene. We’ve had rain for the last 24 hours and it’s been so nice. Yesterday, I made chili in the slow cooker and baked some cornbread to go with it.I still want to eat a lot of soup. I welcomed the new year by sitting in my library reading and being generally lazy.

Since I’m trying to read books I already own, I decided this was the year to actually read the entire Narnia series. I’ve had the full series on my shelf for close to 20 years now. I’ve only ever read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was a kid. I finished that one and Prince Caspian yesterday. I’m surprised by how short they actually are. I shouldn’t have any issues finishing the rest of them, although I don’t want that to be the only thing I read in January so I’ll mix it up a bit.

Merry Christmas

Here we are at the end of the year. Hard to believe it’s another Christmas. I woke up this morning at 5:00 am with a lot of rain and wind. I didn’t mind it. I listened for a bit and went back to sleep for a few hours. It’s going to be a cloudy, but mild day. It’s ok. At least we are getting some rain. 

Spent yesterday evening at my brother’s house and we ate and played games and did presents. It was a really nice time. I was doing ok yesterday until I put on my mom’s apron to cook and then I really missed her. We are doing ok, but it’s a weird life with both parents gone. 

The rest of the day I’m taking it easy. Last year I did a movie marathon and so I decided to make it a tradition and continue this year. This year I’m doing unrelated musicals. I’m starting with White Christmas because I haven’t watched it yet this year. Then I’m moving to Thoroughly Modern Millie, Summer Stock, and Summer Magic. We’ll see how far that takes me. I have a few others picked out as well. 

I’m going to make soup a little later, do a puzzle, read some books. It will be a nice, relaxing day. I’ve been very blessed in my life with my family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. I’m truly grateful for my abundant life. 

Smells Cozy

I made up a simmer pot today and my house smells so delicious right now. 

We had a little rain last night, but the clouds have moved on and it’s a sunny, blue sky. Not even truly coat weather. I put my coat on to go to the grocery store and was way too warm. We will be having record warmth this week and it’s definitely not going to be a white Christmas. I’m kind of bummed about the mild winter, so I’m making up for it by making my house cozy. Spicy smells, lights, candles, fireplace on my tv…whatever it takes. I’m enjoying lighting up the dark as we get to the shortest day of the year. 

I did what is hopefully my last grocery shopping before the holidays and picked up some books from the library. I will be going to work on Monday and Tuesday and then I’m off for 2 days for Christmas. Then I’m working from home the last week of the year. I don’t know why I think I’m going to have time to read, but that’s kind of what I’m planning when I’m not with my family. A little readathon by myself. Plus, I have puzzles and plans to make soup. And I’d like to take some time on the 26th and 27th to clean out my closets and bookshelves. Just seems like a good thing to do at the end of the year. Ha ha ok, I may not get as much reading done as I tell myself I want to do. But that’s ok. 

Europe Travels

So this year when I turned 50, I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate in a big way, but didn't know what that was. Then I saw this trip listed on the WTT website and decided this was it. I loved going to the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria with mom in 2018 so seeing them in 4 countries seemed like a good idea, and 3 of the countries were completely new to me. 

I left the day after Thanksgiving and flew to Switzerland to meet up with the group. I upgraded myself to premium with my miles on the flight from JFK to ZHR and I think I will be doing that in the future the next time I go on a long flight. It was nice to have more space. I actually fell asleep for a couple hours. 

Zurich was fun and I did enjoy our ferry boat ride on Lake Zurich. The Christmas markets were almost entirely food stalls. I did eat a good sausage and Nutella empanada though. 

Limmat river

The next stop was in Basel, Switzerland. I can't say that I had any strong impressions of Basel. Where the Christmas market was, looked like a European town. 

Rhine river

Then we journeyed into France. Our first stop was the Museum of Printed Fabrics in Mulhouse, and I must say that I would have never chosen that type of museum but it was absolutely fascinating and I loved it. We had a private tour, which is another thing I wouldn't have gotten on my own. I bought a Christmas ornament in their gift shop with is just a ball printed with a fabric pattern they have in the museum. 

Then we headed to the Christmas market at Colmar and this was by far my favorite market of the bunch we saw. Very old European, traditional looking. I bought a few more ornaments here. They are wooden circles with pictures of old fashioned Christmas scenes on them. 

After our stop at Colmar, we made it to Strasbourg, where we stayed for 2 nights. I did enjoy Strasbourg as well, but it was very crowded and a very popular place to be at Christmas. The church was beautiful and it was nice to see something besides a market. LOL  Strasbourg has a lot of the half timber houses that look like they are leaning a bit from old age, and it was fun to see them. 

Then we left France and went to Luxembourg. I was excited for this one because it's not a country (or city) I would have ever chosen to stop at on my own. I loved it. The city is beautiful. During our walking tour, I got to hear all about their history, which was great for my history loving self. 

Bock Casemates - WWII tunnels

Palace of the Duchy

And after Luxembourg, our final stop was in Brussels. It was a big city and while the markets were fun, I didn't have any strong impressions, other than construction and traffic, and by that time I was ready to sleep in my own bed. I did bring back a lot of chocolate and ended up with a great bowl of pho one night. 

Besides, all the different countries and Christmas markets, I also took a macaroon class to see how they were made. That class included tasting and taking home some delicious macaroons (which I ate along the way since they don’t stay good for that long). We did a chocolate class in Belgium, which I wouldn’t exactly call a class. We didn’t learn much about chocolate but we got to fill molds with chocolate to make our own to take home, which was fun. I have no idea what I’m going to do with all that chocolate, since I also bought so much. Terrible problem to have, and I’m sure the kids will eat it. 

All things considered, it was a pretty good trip. 

Snow Day

And the snow is coming down! Still not complaining but I decided to work from home today. That way I have a window and can watch it snow and drink cocoa. Plus I have a ton of work to do so I can just set up my day and work away without needing to drive anywhere. Added bonus: I'll already be at home when the work is done and can settle in with a book or puzzle. Nope, not going to complain.  

Snow Day!

Almost exactly a year ago I posted a picture of me sitting in my library and when I found myself in the same spot today, I had to take another picture. 

I have been waiting for a wet weekend to do a little shelving project in my library and today we finally got some snow. So I went through a couple shelves and got a stack of books to purge and then rearranged the shelves. Then after lunch I sat down with a mug of cocoa and finished my book. 

I went to my aunt’s funeral yesterday. It’s just that part of life I am in, I guess. My cousin said some really nice things about how lucky we are to have these types of connections that we get to grieve. Not that it’s easy but how wonderful is life because we love people enough to grieve when they are gone.

As for the new year, it came with no fanfare at all. I was only awake because my cough was keeping me up. I didn’t even think of resolutions or new beginnings and I simply don’t care. There is a lot I’m looking forward to, but it’s also just another year gone by and another one starting. 

Snowy Afternoon

Well, today has been a lazy day. Actually, the whole week has been lazy. I went to work, of course, but the rest of the time I’ve been hibernating. We’ve had snow off and on and I love it when I don’t have to drive in it. So I’ve stayed home a bit and yesterday I stocked up on a few groceries and fill my car with gas. 

I’ve been reading. Six books in 12 days so far this month. I won’t keep up that pace, but for now, I’m not all that interested in watching tv and since I’m not spending money, I don’t have that much to do indoors. I’ve cooked plenty, made and froze cookie dough, made wassail, put together a puzzle, practiced the piano, hmmm that might be all. LOL I guess I have some crafty type things I could work on. Or I can read. It’s been nice to sit in my library and drink my wassail and just enjoy the snowfall. 

Merry Christmas - Late

I had a nice Christmas. It was very low key and spent with my family. We did our dinner and gift exchange on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day I went to my mom’s house and we made French toast for breakfast and panini’s for lunch and put puzzles together. Then I went home and took a nap. I also took today off work and my nephew came over and we went to a couple book stores. Then, I took down my Christmas tree and decorations. It had been up for over a month so I figured it was ok. I left out a couple things that are more winter than Christmas.

It’s been a nice holiday. As we close out the year, I will be working from home a couple days and spending my evenings possibly cleaning out some spots in my house. I’m ready to close out the year quietly and start the new one a little lighter. 

Monday Morning

Some mornings are worth getting up for. Today as I left my house for work, I opened up my garage and there was a white coat of frost over the grass, trees, and pretty much everything. It was really quite pretty. I couldn't see the mountain because of a layer of fog. I'll pretend it was only fog and not also inversion/pollution. The drive to work was foggy as well. The nice kind that still lets me see where I'm driving. And then when I pulled off the freeway, I noticed that it was actually snowing. Or really thick fog? It was sticking to the ground and cars, super fine and soft. I kind of really love winter.  

I'm completely ready for Christmas. All the gifts have been bought and wrapped and yesterday I delivered treats to my neighbors. I made spiced applesauce bread in fancy baking cups and caramels. I was trying for raspberry caramels like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory does. These are not them. I used 3 teaspoons of extract and it's not enough. There's only a hint of raspberry. They are still really tasty though. Next time I try it, I'll use raspberry oil instead. 

Anyway, it's going to be a busy week to get through both at work and home, but then starting Friday afternoon, I plan to relax and just have a Merry Christmas. 

Where are you Spring?

Ah Spring! How we love you. I'm sorry for all the allergy sufferers out there. I don't know if this weather pattern makes it better or worse. My biggest annoyance with spring is the little bugs that try and come in my house. Haven't had that yet this year. I guess that's one good thing. 

Yesterday, I woke up to basically a blizzard outside. Once it stopped snowing, it was kind of a nice, wet  day. My nephew had spent the night so we could keep watching Attack on Titan and we waited until the roads were cleared before I sent him home. So we got the entire of season 1 finished. 

Then this morning I woke up to another 5 inches or so. I decided today was a good day to work from home. And maybe file my taxes. 

The current view outside my window. And it's still coming down. LOL I'm wondering who prayed the reservoirs would fill up in just one winter? And yet, it's still quite pretty. It truly hasn't gotten warm or dry enough for most signs of spring to show up. Maybe next week? I have a few days off so it would be nice to have a tiny bit of sunshine. Just saying. 

Birthday Month

Wow, this month has flown. Hard to believe it's almost over. I spent a week of it in Charlotte, NC for work. It was a nice trip and Charlotte was in the 60's so it felt like spring. Then I came home to cold and snow storms. Oh well... it is technically still winter. 

I took some time off work around my birthday which was nice. I made it to SL to go to a few book stores. This year I let myself buy anything that even sounded interesting so a few of the books I bought I had never even heard of. 

Then on President's day I was looking at my library and didn't know where to put the new books, and decided I could fit one more of the thin Billy bookshelves from Ikea in there. So my nephew and I made a quick trip to Ikea and I picked it up. I'm very happy with that purchase and now I have empty bookshelf space! Let's see how long it takes me to fill it up.

And the other morning I woke up to have a very pretty view out my window. Fresh fallen snow is really beautiful. Of course, now the wind has blown and its all crusty and gross. But soon to be covered again with fresh snow, if the weather reports are correct. 

I'm planning on a relaxing weekend. I have a few projects I wanted to finish in February so I better get started on them. I'm still not in the mood to spend much money so I don't feel like shopping. I am very happy with my books and impulse bookshelf and I think I'll just stick with that. 

Happy New Year 2023 Style

Happy New Year indeed. I was only up at midnight last night because of fireworks going off in the street behind my house. I’ve been sick again and while I didn’t feel too terrible, I stayed home and tried to go to bed before midnight. Today is a lazy Sunday while I try to rest and get completely better. It’s raining/sleeting/snowing anyway so a nice day to be home. I’m actually sitting in my library with a blanket, hot drink, and stack of books which = rainy day perfection.

I’m not much of a goal setter and I never make new year’s resolutions but I do like feeling that a new year is a fresh start. I like the idea of Janus, the 2 faced god, looking both backwards and into the future, endings and beginnings. I also like making lists and crossing things off my lists. So here’s a (guilt-free) list of things I would like to do this year. 

• Get rid of the clutter piles; make a place for everything or donate/recycle/throw it out
• Finish the rag wreaths and tied blankets
• Take some trips and do things with my vacation days rather than stay home - I have ideas!!
• Get out of my book slump; try reading in genres I don’t normally to shake things up
• Play the piano more often
• Listen to podcasts on my drive home; there are so many I want to try
• Pay off my car loan
• Change my direct deposit so I’m saving a little more each month

 

Merry Christmas

Just a nice relaxing day for me. Going to church with my mom and sister and the twins and then hanging out at mom’s house. 

Let it Snow!

Yes! We finally got a good snow storm in the valley. The mountains have been getting some but I wanted it at my house for Christmas. I'm guessing I'll still have a little bit by the 25th since it's going to be cold this week and the storms aren't over yet.  

Last night I woke up around 4 am and looked out my window. I knew it was supposed to snow and it was raining when I went to sleep. It was absolutely beautiful to see the snow coming down and there were no tracks of any kind in it yet. It was pristine. All white and pretty falling down from the sky. 

Needless to say, I'm in a great mood. I do love newly fallen snow. 

November 2022

And now it's November. I'm "working" from home today. I say "working" because I'm really staring out the window watching it snow! It is a winter wonderland out there. I'm pretty sure it won't stay very long, although we have another storm forecast for the weekend. But it's here now and I'm loving it. That's really all I have to say. 

Silent Night

Last night as I wasn't sleeping, I opened up the blinds and then opened the window and watched it snow for a bit. It was so peaceful. It was almost 2:00 am so there were no tracks in the snow and only the occasional sound of a car on the usually busy street a few blocks over. Even if I wasn't sleeping and wished I was, it was a really lovely night to be looking out the window. 

Merry Christmas, 2021

I’ve had a nice (and pretty quiet) Christmas holiday. The Saturday before Christmas, I went with my mom and sister and a bunch of nieces and nephews to SL. We went to breakfast and then to the giving machines in the City Creek shopping center. I bought school supplies, clean water, diapers, and chickens to give to others in need. I think the kids had fun. I know I did.

My actual Christmas was low key. My sister got covid earlier this month and it’s been going around her family. We only had a few of them (that had tested negative that day) at dinner on Christmas Eve. Then for actual Christmas, I slept in and then didn’t do much. A little cooking and laundry and movies later in the evening. LOL I have decided that maybe I should leave something to be unwrapped so it actually feels like Christmas. Especially, since I didn’t put up a tree this year. 

Today it’s been snowing so I’ve had another “at home” day. I streamed my church service and then have been doing one of my favorite after-Christmas activities from my childhood: reading and eating mom’s leftover rolls. The only thing missing is that old heater vent in the kitchen. 

Merry Christmas

Lights

 Yesterday I got out to see some Christmas lights with my brother and sister and their kids. It was kind of nice. It was the last warm-ish day we are having according to the forecast so it was a great time to go. 

I haven’t put up a tree this year and so far have no plans to do so, but I did get some lights hung up in a window.  Lights and my nativities will be my decorations this year, unless I get super motivated about a tree. 

Now I’m having a little bit of a lazy Sunday after church, sitting in my library with a blanket and book and Christmas music playing. It’s a good day. 

Hello, January

This morning, because it’s snowing, or because it’s January 3rd, or for no reason whatsoever, I decided to eat my breakfast on my china. French toast and chocolate milk. Tasty!

People all over seem to be so happy 2020 is over. I mean, I guess I am, but I don’t see anything changing in 2021. Not in the beginning. My attitude is what has to change. I’ve been doing ok and have pretty much come to the conclusion that 2020 was just another year. It was a hard year, but so many years are for so many reasons. I do not make new year’s resolutions but I do like the idea of starting fresh. LOL I don’t have to say I’m going to exercise more or eat better because I’ve already been trying to do that and I don’t need the start of a year for that. I just need a new day. 

On instagram, I did see a couple things for the new year that I decided I wanted to try. The first was BAYMTGO, or Begin As You Mean To Go On. Her idea was to just do something for 15 minutes and then make time for it during the year. No matter what it is. So I sat down and played the piano for 15 minutes on January 1. I love playing it, and while I might not be great, I could be a little better if I played more. I play for myself and it relaxes me and makes me happy so why not spend a little more time doing it this year?

The other thing was an author that shared her new year motto: Now’s the time. The idea behind it is to do that thing now instead of waiting for the perfect time, which may never come. So I ate on my good china this morning. I picked out a new book to read that I’ve been meaning to read for awhile. Over the holiday I was talking to my sweet neighbor and we found out we both like Charles Wysocki 300 piece puzzles. So yesterday we both put on our masks and she brought me over 2 of their puzzles I don’t have and I sent her off with a few of mine. They are probably in their 80s and I think it is so cool that we have a puzzle exchange going now. 

So yeah, I do feel hope for the year and the fresh start but it’s my attitude more than anything that’s going to keep me going. I need to remind myself to come back to this post in a month or so when my attitude needs an adjustment. :)