Last Day of January

January seems to have passed quite quickly and quite slowly. Winter is dragging on. February is usually a bit better. Our temperatures don't look to increase too much, and Monday is forecast to be a snowy day. Speaking of snow, it snowed overnight. Only a couple of inches, but enough that cars had to be brushed off and the roads were a little slick. We did go out. The closer we got to the lakeshore, the worse the roads were. Husband is a good and confident driver though, so we were okay. It wasn't snowing and there was no blowing so that was good!

The driveway to the carpark hadn't been plowed but a couple of cars had driven up it, so husband decided to chance it. It was pretty cold, but it was sunny. We weren't there for too long, but by the time we left it was quite busy. There were lots of people walking out on the icy lighthouse bit. I didn't. I took my photos from a safe distance. There isn't a big path around the lighthouse, and it looked as though people were walking on the ice overhang. The water to the side wasn't frozen! There are things I won't do for a photo lol. 

We made our way up a very snowy road to the next lighthouse. We couldn't get really close as the roads were blocked for the Ice Breaker Festival. We went on the other side, and I managed to get some photos. Once again people were up on the ice. I couldn't believe how close to the water people were going. I don't think they realise that sometimes the edges of the ice overhangs and one crash and yikes!

A couple of phone photos as I haven't sorted through the camera ones yet. Usually this is water. 

When I got home, I had a nice bath to warm up and a lovely hot drink. The rest of the afternoon I caught up on a few bits and watched some television. 

This month I have struggled a bit with ups and downs. I think it's mainly due to the weather, though I am missing MIL terribly. I still can't believe she's gone.  I keep thinking of things I should call to tell her and then realise I can't and the ache starts all over again. I suppose it will just take time. It just seems I have lost all the elder women in my life, though that's part of growing older, I think. 

I Need to Learn to Embrace Winter Slowness

Years ago, several years after I moved to Michigan, I finally learned to embrace winter and go out and enjoy some of the cold and snow. It really helps that I love taking photos of the ice. I find the quietness - definitely less people around in winter - very calm and peaceful. However, after being stuck in the house most of this week I know that I also need to learn to embrace the slower days of winter. I'm just not quite sure how to do that. I think I've said it before, but I feel 'off' if I don't walk outside. It's hard to do in winter, especially when it's way below freezing and the snow is deep. I can't even walk around my neighbourhood as there aren't pavements everywhere (and not all of the ones we have are kept shovelled!) and the road is icy. 

I'm just not sure how to achieve that. 

I don't know if it's just me, but I feel as though I should be productive during the day hours. I don't feel as though I can read or craft or do 'me' things. I feel as though I should be 'doing' something house-y or money-making. I have been doing my Ebay and Etsy thing, but not consistently - though I do want to treat it more like a business rather than just something extra I do (at least until I decide if I want to stop doing it!). I also feel as though I should be out there taking photos all the time. Perhaps that's just me spending too much time on social media!

How do you embrace winter slowness? 

It's something I still have time to work on. Our temperatures don't look as though they will be above freezing anytime soon. 

Things I did accomplish this week: -

• On Monday was the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting regarding the rezoning of the land adjacent to Asylum Lake. I attended the meeting for as long as I could, came home and watched the rest on YouTube and posted updates to our social media (that's my job on the board). The rezoning request was DENIED!!!
• I attended the Zoom meeting our group ALPA (Asylum Lake Preservation Association) had to decide what the next steps should be. 
• I attended a Zoom Small Group Meeting with my online photography club. Yikes! I am not good around new people. I spluttered and felt really nervous, but I did manage to introduce myself. I am hoping that the more I participate the easier it will become. 
• I did clean up my craft room a bit. It's looking a LITTLE more presentable! 

I also chatted with middle son today, had a video chat with daughter and Baby A and messaged with my sister. At the start of the day I was feeling a little isolated, by the end I had enough of being social. 

I did manage a walk yesterday. It was snowy and cold and walking through knee-deep (in some places) snow is really slow going, but it did feel good to get out. Today I stayed in. It had snowed overnight - just a couple of inches - but it was another really cold morning!

Honestly, it's not going to be a lot warmer over the weekend, but it's supposed to be sunny, and husband says he will drive me somewhere both days so I'm going to make the most of it. I'll bundle up, be cold and take the rest of the day to warm up. Then hopefully, on Monday, I'll be ready to try to embrace the slowness of winter !

 

We had a lovely time away. The driving was...well, dodgy at times. There were several lots of white-out conditions. We played a game of 'Are we on the road' and 'Is there a car up ahead'. It was pretty hairy at times. By the time we got into Mackinaw City on Friday though the sun was shining!!! It shone the rest of the afternoon there, all day Saturday and up until the time we left on Sunday. Weren't we lucky? It was terribly, bitterly cold. On the Friday the wind was horrendous which made things even feel worse. We had thought about going up into the Upper Peninsula, but the drifting up there was pretty bad and the road we wanted to travel on closed and didn't reopen until Sunday. 

Not my photo 

This road goes along the lakeshore, and the wind had blown snow across the road causing drifts. They ended up shutting the road as people kept getting stuck!

We ended up driving along where we were and visited some beautiful spots. The ice was amazing. Saturday, even though it was well below freezing, without the wind it was bearable for small periods of time. We were both well-prepared and dressed in layers. 

We really had a good time away. The drive home was okay until we got closer to home and then the roads got bad again. Sigh. I actually wish we had just stayed up there. It's been horrible since we've been home. The roads are icy and it hasn't stopped snowing. As the temperature is so cold, the salt doesn't melt anything, so they haven't even put anything down. There have been a lot of car accidents around. I haven't been out at all, not even for a walk.

Me and Hubby

Icy Sunrise. 

In summer, these would be views of the water. There wasn't a drop in sight where we were at Mackinaw City. 

I'm hunkering down for the rest of the week - it will be cold at the weekend, but there is sunshine in sight so we will be going out!

Snow, Snow AND more Snow

Ugh. It has been a snowy few days here in my part of Michigan. It has been one advisory and warning after another. Of course, on Sunday it snowed. We didn't make it where we were going, but we did head to the lakeshore. It was pretty cold and the ice is starting to build. We managed a small walk before another round of snow came in and pretty much ended up little Sunday Adventure

There was the tiniest bit of sunshine, and we made the most of it! Last photo is of husband at the waters' edge looking at the ice balls that had formed on Lake Michigan.

Monday and Tuesday have been more snow, cold weather and winds. I have been really grateful that both husband and son have managed their work journeys okay. There was a terrible accident up north a bit which included a pile-up of 100 cars! (not my photo)

I have been walking but that's about it. Not long walks. It's been too cold and snowy. It makes the days seem really long. I'm struggling with being out of my routine. It's a mental thing, I think. I'd love to just be able to snuggle up and not go anywhere, but I feel off all day if I don't walk at least a bit!

I was glad I went today as (although cold) it was quite pretty out

I love this scene. It was really peaceful too as I was the only crazy one to be out!

Sigh - husband's friends decided to cancel the trip this weekend. No discussion. Just telling us they had cancelled. Neither of us is happy. We understand it is going to REALLY cold in Minnesota and it's not so much the cancelling (though more than a days' notice would have been nice) but it's the fact that there was no discussion at all! This was literally five minutes before I was about to confirm (and pay for) the car rental we had agreed to. We had checked in with them a couple of days ago to see if they were still going and they said they were. Husband and I will rebook this trip another year with an additional stop to see daughter and take longer. 

Husband has already taken time off work, so we've decided to go away by ourselves but up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It will be a meandering sort of trip and (hopefully) relaxing.  

Hope everyone is having a good week and your weather is being kinder than mine!

Saturday

It was a cold day today. I wasn't sure I would be going out or for how long as it was quite windy. I did go out and have a walk. The sun came out at one point which was a nice surprise as the forecast looked pretty bleak. It was nice and quiet at Asylum Lake. The beavers were out too which surprised me as they sometimes don't come out so much when it's windy. The lake has started to freeze over again and it's always fun to see them popping up through the holes they keep open. 

Husband and I went to a couple of places when I got back. He had gone out with his dad for breakfast. He's trying to do more with his dad. He does ring him every day and visits when he can (work is busy). When husband talked to his dad on Friday, he said he hadn't been out and husband said he sounded a bit lonely, so I suggested a breakfast. They both enjoyed it. 

This afternoon was a little bit lazy - some relaxing, some sorting, some tidying, a nice bath and a bit of Asylum Lake stuff. It was nice to be inside as temps are a little low. 

Husband and I will be going out tomorrow but - once again - the place I would like to go to (put off from last week), is proving to be elusive and quite a bit of snow is forecast for that area, so we won't be travelling that way. Oh well. Perhaps it's just as well. We are off on a mini break from Thursday to Sunday next week. We are going to Minnesota, not to visit daughter, but with a friend couple to visit Sax-Zim Bog, a well-known nature place. It should be fun and extremely cold! As this requires a lot of driving, it's probably good not to go too far this weekend. 

Phone Photos - Things That Make Me Smile

Seeing the beavers. They make me smile!

Week Slipped By

I can't believe I've missed half the week! This one seems to have gone by quickly. The vote on rezoning the property near Asylum Lake is coming up and there have been more organisational meetings. I also had a camera club zoom meeting this week. A lot of social interaction for me lol. 

I've dragged myself out walking this week even when I haven't felt like it. I got pelted on yesterday by ice bits and today the wind was so bitterly cold I felt frozen solid. It was waaay below freezing today and I almost stayed home, but it was sunny to start with and the chances of sun within the next few days (until at least Tuesday) are slim, so I wanted to get out. It was quite icy out. 

The sun made me smile though

A couple of phone photos

This little stream is usually flowing free, but I think the beaver deceiver (on the other side) is either blocked or frozen as little water was flowing through and the stream was icing over.

The main roads were clear today (side roads really, really icy) so I went a couple of places, so I don't have to drive when the snow comes. It seems lately that's how I judge my days - can I drive this day or not? 

On the house side of things - I have sorted through my wardrobe and my dresser. I have sorted out a few things for donation and some that really needed to just be thrown away (they are well-worn and holey but comfy). There are probably a few more in that last category that I will give up when winter is over. I need comfy in the winter.

Next on my list to tackle are other areas in the bedroom. We'll see how that goes! 

Tomorrow, depending on snowfall and whether I can get out for a walk, I'll do my usual Friday housey things and then get started on the bedroom. I have no plans to go anywhere other than a walk.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Snowy/Windy Sunday

I'm sad to say that the weather did not cooperate on Sunday. We woke up to a bit more snow. As it was early morning, the roads were pretty icy once again so instead of going up north to the lakeshore, we decided to go to the part of the lakeshore closer to us. A good choice. It was really quite bitterly cold as the winds were blowing wildly. Husband got out of the car at our first stop and turned around as soon as we got down to the beach. It was SO windy.  The town we were in was under a Gale Warning, so that tells you how wild things were. It always amazes me that a lake can have such high waves!

I stayed out on the beach long enough to get some wave shots

From there, we travelled up the lakeshore to South Haven. The waves were hitting the lighthouse quite right but I managed to get one nice one

While I was wandering on the beach there I was really surprised to see two men come running down the beach and go into the lake water. Brrrr..... there was still some ice on the beach - that tells you how cold the water must have been!

Weekend

Another dull day. I did get up and go for a walk. It was really calm after the winds yesterday. It was quite peaceful too. Usually Saturdays are quite busy. I suppose it was the dull weather, chilly temps and chance of snow again. I didn't mind. It's nice when it's quiet. 

Husband and son went out this afternoon, and I took advantage of the empty house to get a bit of sorting and reorganising done. I feel quite productive - especially for a Saturday lol. I also took a nice long bath while they were gone. 

As I write this, it's snowing a bit outside. I'm hoping there isn't too much of it so we can go out in the morning. The winds are supposed to be back tomorrow and I'm hoping to go up the lakeshore to take some photos of one of the lighthouses in the wind. Fingers crossed that the weather will co-operate. It's hit and miss in the winter. I don't think the weather people really know what it's going to do. I think part of that is being so close to the lakeshore and the lake-effect snow showers that come with it. 

Things that made me smile today

A peaceful start to the day

A nice bath

Reading through my favourite magazines - decluttering them as I go - and having a chocolate (or two!)

Have you got plans for the weekend? 

Friday

Today dawned very windy and dull, a bit drizzly too. It was warm-ish out this morning, but temperatures dropped as the day went on. I went for my usual walk. There wasn't a lot around, but it was nice that the paths are almost ice free now - at least until tomorrow when we are supposed to get more snow. It was so peaceful out, I think I saw two other people the whole time I was there. Surprising, considering the warmer temperatures. 

After my walk I went straight home and got on with things. I had written myself a list and got everything done. It wasn't a really long list, but I felt productive and it was nice ticking things off. I popped in a piece of beef and veggies into the slow cooker - something I had found marked down which is really rare for me - for dinner so that was taken care of. In the afternoon, I messaged with sister for our usual time and later in the evening I video called with daughter and Baby A. Daughter is feeling better, but she was still coughing and sounded stuffed up. Baby A read me some books and showed me some of her toys. It was lovely. 

Phone Photos - Things That Make Me Smile

The weather didn't make me smile but I enjoyed the peace. The wind was blowing quite fiercely, and the clouds were rushing by. It was quite lovely

Do you have plans for the weekend? 

I'm hoping for a walk before the snow and maybe some decluttering!

Everyday Life, Decluttering

This week seems to have flown by. I do say that about a lot of weeks though lol. I suppose it's because everyone was home on Monday so not much got done. They have all settled back to work now so I'm trying to get things back to normal. 

Baby A and Son-in-law are both feeling fine now and back in daycare/work. Poor daughter ended up with the flu as well as strep! She went back to the dr and got some more medicine and says today she's feeling a bit better. I was glad to hear it. I haven't come down with anything yet, so I think I've avoided it thankfully. My throat has been a little drier than normal, but it's not really sore as long as I keep drinking. 

I almost forgot that I had an Asylum Lake meeting yesterday. Luckily, I remembered in time. Good thing too as we had a lot to talk about. It was a long meeting! I did sleep better last night though. As the meeting is now at a house downtown, I usually have my husband drop me off and one of the other board members (who lives close to me) brings me home. I don't mind so much driving there in the summer but not winter. Mind you, we've been on a warming trend yesterday and today, so all the road ice/snow has melted. Even the driveway ice is mostly gone - thank goodness! It reached 50f/10C today. Tomorrow will be warmer still - 56F/13F. It's supposed to be rainy though. Then it's down again 35F/2C and snow Saturday and Sunday. Ah Michigan!

Before the rain rolled in this afternoon, there was a beautiful sunrise. It was my Phone Photos Things That Make Me Smile 

Loved that purple/pink sky. Definitely made me smile!

I still haven't completely sorted out all my goals for this year - hope to have them done by the end of the week. 

I have started decluttering/sorting. I've done my dresser drawers. I only got rid of two tops that were in the bottom drawers. I've realised that I keep the things I actually wear in there and the rest must be in the wardrobe lol. It's on my plan to sort there next. 

I did get rid of 19 (yes nineteen) pairs socks, 10 pairs knickers and 1 bra. I still have more pairs of socks than one person can wear but they are for all different seasons. My feet seem to get cold really easily and I like keeping them warm. I'll probably have another sort through later in the year. Not a bad start. The goal is to do one extra thing a day.

I have been writing to-do lists for each day :)

Waking Up at Silly O'clock

 Whenever I have things on my mind I seem to struggle with sleep. This morning, I woke up at 4.03am. It must have been just after husband got up. I sat up and looked at the clock. Then I got to thinking about things and well, that was it. No more sleep. I didn't get up as husband and son have their routines and I don't like to disturb them as I hate it when someone disturbs my morning routine. I laid in bed, finally ended up putting on a YouTube video and fell asleep somewhere around 5.30am when son left for work. I dozed on and off a little until the alarm went off at 6.30am and I got up. 

I hadn't gone to bed until late as I was trying to watch a local city meeting to find out the latest on the rezoning of land near Asylum Lake (the place where I walk). I ended up giving up at 11.20pm when they still hadn't got to the item on the agenda. When I did get to bed husband was coughing, struggling to sleep and then got up to go to the loo. I think it was close to midnight when I did finally get to sleep. 

All the above is a precursor - not an excuse perse - to why I fell asleep as soon as I sat down this afternoon.  Sigh. I don't usually nap in the daytime and if I try to sleep I can't. 

I did get a haircut today - another long story. I was pretty sure I had a haircut coming up soon, but I couldn't find the appointment anywhere on my phone. Usually when I make an appointment, they immediately send a text. I had a string of text appointments but nothing after my last appointment (back just after MIL died).  I felt like an idiot, but I messaged my hairdresser, and she looked and realised we hadn't made one! She fit me in today. Thankfully. It was growing quite long. I didn't have much off - only an inch - but I feel better for it. 

I did not get much extra done. Only one drawer of socks. I have several huge fluffy sock pairs and quite a few others. I sorted through the drawer, organised it a bit, got rid of some rubbish that was lingering and picked out six pairs of socks that can be gone. So, not a lot of sorting done, but it's a start. 

Things That Made Me Smile

It was a foggy morning by Asylum Lake. Really peaceful. I think I only saw three people the whole time I was there. The beavers were out and about trying to keep the water open. 

A nice cup-a-soup. This is Broccoli and Cheddar. Quite nice. Good for warming up after my walk. 

Belated Happy New Year and I'm Back!

We had a wonderful few days visiting daughter (R), Baby A and son-in-law (S). Unfortunately, we didn't get to do what we planned on Saturday as Baby A and S came down with strep and daughter came down with it the day we left! I'm holding my breath hoping it avoids us especially as Baby A and I shared cake on her birthday. 

She is growing up so beautifully. I can't believe how far her speech has come just within the month and a half since we last saw her. Last time her favourite thing to say was "I got it!" this time it was "I can do it myself". She's so independent, wanting to do everything herself. She wanted to sit and cuddle with me as soon as I got there which is so lovely. We spent a lot of time playing with her dolls, reading books and colouring. 

The drive there and back - yikes! I could have done without that. On the way there, we left before daylight, and the roads were really icy. It had rained the night before and froze. Husband said it felt as though there were ruts of ice on the road and several times we slipped. He's a confident winter driver, but even he said it was a little hairy! Once we got out of Michigan the roads weren't as bad though we did go through some snow showers as we drove along. On the way back we had freezing rain for most of the drive through Wisconsin. The car heater couldn't keep up and the ice was quite thick on parts of the windshield. Husband drove steady with no sudden moments and once we hit mid-Wisconsin things dried up. 

I was in the back of the car so couldn't get a great photo of the ice, but this was it in the front. 

Baby A who always makes me smile! We were taking photos of us, but I got stuck way in the back lol. She likes to see herself in the camera!

So now I'm back home, trying to get into the groove of everyday life. New Year, New Plans. I wrote a few down on the long, long car drive lol. I'll hopefully post a few goals later this week. I think if I write them down it helps me hold myself accountable getting them done!

Hope everyone has had a good start to the year.