Happy Monday friends! And hello winter:) I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and, if you are like me, you are finally feeling back on schedule or into your routine. With being sick and several changes in the regular schedule, my brain was feeling so “off” last week. I couldn’t remember what day it was or where I was supposed to be. I was reminded just how much I not only thrive on routine but I depend on it. So here’s to a “normal” week ahead – snow day, not withstanding. I had started this post last night when I (and everyone else within several hundred miles of me) was eagerly awaiting the beginning of snow. I thought I would update this post, as necessary, but then reasoned – just wait. Finish in the morning. So, here I am and I might as well jump right into this daybook entry, as it begins with the weather. And we got the weather!
The Weather – is just about all everyone has been talking about for the last few days (or more). Last year, I’m not sure we got any snow. If we did, I do not remember it. So we have been due for some snow excitement. The roads have been treated. Every school district began cancelling classes over the weekend. And the grocery shelves have been cleared of all milk, bread and eggs. And toilet paper. Apparently, the anticipation makes all of us very hungry for french toast (milk, bread and eggs). And, well, we were disappointed. It snowed all night.
As I look outside my window – it is quite pretty. Plenty of snow and flakes still falling. No foot prints yet. Just a fresh landscape of new fallen snow. Even my summer-lovin soul has to admit it looks rather magical. (Or maybe I just watched too many Hallmark movies in the past few weeks.) My husband and son do all of the shoveling so I cannot truly complain. Besides snow, I am also noticing just about all of the outdoor Christmas decorations have been put away for another year. I do see several still have trees in the windows. How long do you leave your tree up? I think the twinkly lights actually look pretty in the windows; however, I do think it is time for the yard displays to be put away. My own front yard and porch always looks so bare (and ugly) this time of year. I have never found anything to put on the porch during these months between New Year and the first hint of spring.
This morning, I am – snuggling in and have no plans to go anywhere. I am blessed that neither my husband nor I need to worry about getting to work. I remember those days. Thankfully, I always worked at my children’s school, so when they were out of school (for weather or otherwise), well I was out of school. I also remember the days before internet notifications of delays or cancellation. Our school used a phone tree system to let families know if school would be closed for the day. As a staff member, I would wait for the word from our principal and then I would begin calling my list of 10 – 15 families. All before 5:30 in the morning. Yes, it seems a lifetime ago.
Lately, I have been thinking about – some goals, plans and even some dreams for the year ahead. You might even call them resolutions (which I know is not hugely popular these days). There is much benefit to setting goals. And having a few dreams is not bad either. I like to do both. And I like the fresh energy – mental, physical and even emotional energy – that I get at the beginning of a new year. Best to take advantage of it.
What I am wearing – I cute lightweight sweatshirt. I do not like heavy, bulky sweatshirts. Nor do I like hoodies. I think I’m too old for either of those. Finding just the right sweatshirt – that feels snuggly but not heavy and/or hot – can be a challenge. But this one is perfect. It may or may not have a (Christmas-inspired) tree on the front but I’m okay with it. Actually, it says love and I am trying hard to love me some winter. We will see if it helps.
Around the house – it is quiet. Calm and peaceful. There are some snowmen here and there throughout the decor (feeling very much at home) and our floors are freshly scrubbed and clean. That is a job that had been put off far too long. Of course, winter will be all over them by mid-afternoon but that is life sometimes.
My To-Do List – includes nothing of urgency. I need to prepare for the return to Bible study. Hopefully, we will begin again on Wednesday. I need to find a new dentist for my hubby. And I would like to try some blog planning. I have tried this before and I am sure it helps to put some forethought into post ideas and scheduling, but I have yet to find a system that I stick with or use for more than a month. But, for now, my “to-do list” is as simple as a second cup of coffee. Embracing the retired life:)
And, from my camera. A first look at the snow. I don’t suppose you are surprised and, no doubt, there will be snow photos aplenty on the interent today but that’s okay. Taken first thing this morning.
Hello!
I’m with you; it’s been hard to know what day it is for the last couple of weeks!
I love the snow before it’s marred by tracks. We have just a tiny bit here in southern Missouri. It’s enough to make things look pretty. My husband works from home when he needs to. School hasn’t started again, so I can stay home and keep as warm as I can. I remember getting up and watching the news to see if we’d have school when I was a student. Oh the joy when it was cancelled!
A friend just texted me. She’s going to come over this afternoon for a visit. It’s been too long! I think I might just make some brownies to celebrate!
Have a wonderful week!
May you receive clarity from God about what’s next in this new year for you. Step into your God given destiny!
Be blessed,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Freshly fallen snow is so, so beautiful. Abby and I took a walk last evening in it. (Today she and I shoveled said snow and it was “snow” not fun!!) Love your new blog format and the info at the top. I am really like you in the sharing department. Writing thoughts and emotions just makes much more sense to me and I’m glad I am not the only one. I’m glad you’re snug as a bug on a rug today as am I. It’s so cozy to be at home with a white world outside. Stay warm, friend!
Your snow-related photo is beautiful. Many times over the years I captured the same kind of scene. Ah, no more, since my last 7 winters have been in Florida. My husband and I have been watching the weather reports on TV and reminiscing how satisfied we are that snowstorms are just memories now. I do enjoy the pictures, but that’s about it.
Sweatshirts: I confess that I love hoodies since that extra fabric helps to keep my neck and upper back warm — two areas that have some arthritis. But like you, I want my sweatshirts to be soft (pliable) and not too heavy. That is kinda hard to find at times. I also prefer a zipper up the front but want the zipper to be plastic and not metal. We all have our preferences, don’t we?
The snow looks so peaceful – so pretty. I’m a bit jealous. This week, we’re looking at sunny weather upwards to 70. We had a couple weeks of rain and snow in the mountains so we’re drying out now!
I would think, our nice weather is heading east so maybe that is something to look forward to.
Hello dear Jennifer! I’ve been on a blogging break since right before Thanksgiving, and I’ve done very little blog reading during that time. I have to tell you what a surprise it was to click on the link for your blog and find all of the changes you have made here. I love the design of the blog and the way you have everything arranged! You go, Girlfriend!
You are such a talented writer and communicator. I appreciate both of those about you so much. I’m glad that you had a good Christmas, but sorry to hear about the sickness.
Enjoy that beautiful snow! We are getting our fair share of it, too. xx
We have only had a very small amount of snow here in this small corner. It twinkled down for a few hours yesterday and a bit more this morning but it’s all gone now washed away by the rain.
I enjoyed catching up with your news over the last few weeks and wish you God’s richest blessings for the year ahead x
Such a lovely read my friend, you are an eloquent writer and loved all the pretty photos! I hope you feel much better now. Thank you so much for visiting me, always lovely to see you. If I haven’t said it before, I am wishing you and all your loved ones a very happy and healthy new year.
We had our winter break extended due to snow. I think we’ll be back on tomorrow, but we’ll see!
Oh, I absolutely LOVE snow. And we are snow-dancing here in El Paso in hopes that some of those fluffy white flakes fall on the Sun City in the next couple of days. Your snow photo is just breathtaking. I love the sound of snow falling. It is a quiet like no other. Hope you can enjoy the next few days being bundled up at home, hopefully with some good books, before the hustle and bustle returns to your neck of the woods.
We shared bucket lists/goals yesterday and have a linkup open if you would like to join us!! Get that post written. Share some of those dreams you have for the near future. So glad you have some.
Happy, healthy 2025, dear friend. Sending you warm hugs!!