Happy New Year!
The clock keeps ticking, and the calendar keeps turning. Each day is unique, and each day is the same. Was January 1st any different than December 31st? Not really. But here I am and thinking about all of the possibilities for 2023. I think the symbolic gesture of ushering out the old and welcoming in the new is important. It gives hope for good things to come. And on a more practical level, the new year is a signal that it's time to get back to everyday business. The holidays are a busy time whether you celebrate in a big way or a little way, and I, for one, welcome the chance to get back to a regular routine.
On that front, we got all the Christmas decorations taken down and put away, except for the inevitable few that escape detection until the boxes are already packed, I have found one small ornament that needs to be put away, and it will be a miracle if that's the only thing we have missed.
We observed the changing of the calendar in the usual way-hoping we could sleep through the neighborhood fireworks. No such luck, but I didn't have to work the next day, so I guess it was okay. Earlier on New Year's Eve, I helped with a Noon Year's Eve party at the library for kids. There were stories, crafts, and a count down to noon with noise makers, flashlights, and bubble wrap to jump on. A good time was had by all, and I even wore sparkly clothes to the event.
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| This part of the trail wasn't too bad. |
The next day, the temperatures were warm, in the 50s F, so we went exploring. We made a list of all of the local parks we hadn't visited and set out to find them. If any had paved trails, we were going to walk them. I didn't want to go off the pavement because we had had rain, and I wanted to avoid mud. But you know how plans go. On the way to the first park on our list, we came upon another one that we stopped at instead. As it turns out, someone from the rec department was leading a hike that day and invited us to come along. At a certain point, we parted ways as we opted for the less muddy path, according to the guide. Well, it may have been less muddy, but it was muddy! Before heading home, we made it to one more park and had a nice paved walk around a pond. Later that evening, we heard on the news that taking a hike on New Year's Day is a thing. The first time in a long time that Ward and I have been on trend. 🙂
I haven't made any resolutions for the new year, but Ward and I are talking about projects that have been on the back burner for a while and about things we'd like to do sooner rather than later for fun. I plan to put our ideas on paper with timelines because I love me a list and a calendar. Maybe the one resolution I will make is to look at the lists after we have carefully made them. Might be more successful that way.
Until next time...
Happy New Year! Sounds like you and Ward are right on trend with your New Year's Day hike! Each day is a new beginning, but, January 1 has something special about it, doesn't it? I like your plans to make a list of projects for the year. Hope you can make good progress on those projects. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are always lots of projects to be done. We are in the process of prioritizing them, and then we have to figure out what kind of budget we have to work with. That may affect the timeline. We shall see.
DeleteA friend of mine texted me that her new year's resolution was for us to get together twice in 2023. We find it challenging to get together (she lives 1 1/2 hours away from me) so although I don't typically make resolutions, I thought that maybe I would adopt that one, too.
ReplyDeleteOur rather substantial snowfall from our blizzard has all melted. We were able to snowshoe on Christmas day. Now I guess we are back to hiking (possibly with yak trax if the trails are icy). Maybe you and I are just ahead of our time with hiking. :)
In the past, I used to regularly host a gathering of people I used to work with but that all fell apart with COVID. However, I decided to make it happen this year even if only one person can come. I sent out invites last night for a lunch a couple of weeks from now. Besides seeing friends, it's great motivation to put the finishing touches on our new kitchen. I hope you are able to make meeting with your friend happen, too.
DeleteI am still a fair weather hiker. I'm not making a resolution, but I am going to try to get myself outside for a walk when its cold more often. If I had to wear something for the ice, I don't think I'd go. Good for you.
Good for you for taking the initiative to get your friends together. I find that I am often the initiator--I don't particularly love that role, but I am tenacious enough (that's a nice word for "stubborn") to make it happen. Sometimes I wish I had more friends who would do the initiating instead, but then I remind myself to be grateful that I DO have friends.
DeleteI started a few years ago volunteering to host gatherings to help myself be more social and not worry about doing them right. I have found people (or at least my friends) are just happy to see each other and don't notice too much else. However, occasionally another friend hosts and she has a big, fancy house and cooks a lot of things. I try not to compare myself, but sometimes I can't help it.
DeleteMuddy trails here too, lawns so mushy from rain you sink to your ankles. Good for you getting out on a walk new years day.
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DeleteWe haven't had as much rain as your area has had, but it was certainly enough to cause a lot of mud. I just finished cleaning my shoes because I want to wear them. I didn't wear old, mud shoes because I hadn't planned to go off trail.