January Slogs Along In Upstate NY


At the outlet of the lake.

 All the walking and yoga I'm doing won't counteract all the food I'm eating in these cold, wet, snowy, and bleak days of winter. I'll have to do something about that...

I think I've found my next big house project though. In anticipation of the bathroom/bedroom remodel, I've decided to remove the builders grade wire shelving in my walk in closet and install a proper shelving system. I've seen nice ones at Lowe's and the Depot, and looked at the installation videos. I'm pretty sure I can handle it. Since the remodel has been pushed off to February, I decided to empty my closet, which led to emptying other closets, which led to purging. As soon as I start to organize, I'm able to stop and realize I just have too much stuff that I do not need or use. My house is not a storage facility! I'm starting with linens to make room in the linen closet. There are 3 beds in this house and I have 8 sheet sets and several comforters I've been storing for years. I also have a ridiculous amount of clothing that will soon find its way to Doors Of Hope as well.

Surplus linens; just the beginning of the big purge.

I'm heading off to my Mom's this weekend which will give us both a nice diversion. Drama in my life is building and I need to distance myself from it (ex-spouse and his new ex-spouse) - please keep me out of that quagmire where there is no positive outcome for me. I got a ranting letter from my ex blaming me for problems with his newer ex. Seriously dude, its been 20+ years. Leave me out of it.

My walks in nature continue to provide mental therapy. The weather has been - dejecting? It rains and snows and sleets in equal measures leaving a mess on the ground and nothing to ski on. Hiking even seems dismal so I'm not doing that either. I think an impromptu trip to the south might be just what I need.


Major came up to the fence to greet me today. 



The ducks seem to be happy to have the run of the still unfrozen lake. 



I saw a muskrat swimming around, but it was too quick for me to get a picture. The lake was full of Mallards and a few Canada Geese, and a lone Common Merganser. This nice pup spent some time with me before he went off in search of other things.

A very good boy.



I did get my bangs back when I got my hair cut this week, and have plans for some highlights to mitigate the grays in six weeks!


I've been moving ahead on planning out the June trip to the Alps which is a fun activity and something to look forward to. The airfare keeps inching higher, so we'll have to book our flights very soon. I love where I live most of the time, but am looking forward to some eye popping scenery in those mountains.

From my July 2022 trip to Switzerland. In June I'll be walking on those trails.









Comments

  1. MargaretJanuary 20, 2023 at 8:45 PM

    The bangs look great! I love mine and have worn them for most of my life. I have a big forehead. I know what you mean about eating more than you're exercising yet we need to find some comfort during the winter. I wish I liked carrot sticks as much as I do ice cream! We had a cold, clear day so I did quite a bit of walking and mowed up my leaves. Over 13,000 steps which felt great. I love Switzerland; it's a glorious place. I admire your flinging project; I need to do that also.

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