January is over already?

January often gets a bad rap for feeling long and dreary. The excitement of the holidays is over, the weather is cold, and the days are short. For many, it can feel like the month drags on. But for me, this January flew by faster than I could keep up! Maybe it’s because I keep myself busy, especially now as I am almost retired and have the flexibility to pursue a variety of projects.

I’m no stranger to keeping my hands (and mind) occupied, so this month was packed with everything from cooking challenges to home decor projects. This blog, and our YouTube channel provide a creative outlet to share photos, write posts, and create videos to share what's happening. I keep expanding my video making skills, frustrating at times, yet it is good for my brain.

I have taken on the role as publicity chair for the local gardening club and that has added another layer of projects from Facebook posts, writing press releases, making short videos of events, and even updating and designing the club's new brochure. It makes me realize why so many retired people are busy, they get involved in the community and expand their hobbies.

Hosting, Cooking, and Baking – Oh My!

One of the best parts of staying busy during the winter is making the most of the cozy indoors. This January, I hosted a few dinner parties and a brunch, making sure the house was filled with good food and even better company. There’s something special about gathering around a table during the cold months, sharing stories, and enjoying the warmth of a home-cooked meal.

During the days, I turned up the heat in the kitchen—literally and figuratively! I made ravioli and puff pastry from scratch. While both were ambitious tasks, the reward of biting into a fresh, handmade dish was absolutely worth it. And if you’ve never made your own puff pastry, I highly recommend giving it a try—it’s much easier than you think, and it has wholesome ingredients: butter, flour, sugar, salt, and water. I used the puff pastry to make liver pate pinwheels; this is a delicious way to enjoy pate.

You likely know that I am sourdough obsessed. I ventured into trying different sourdough flavors, including making bagels. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, chewy bagel you made yourself. Each loaf and bagel I baked brought new flavors to the table, and I look forward to trying even more variations in the future.

A Cold But Worthwhile Work Trip

On a cold mid-weekday, Whiskey and I took a work trip in our trusty mobile condo to Waterbury, CT. We stayed overnight at a Boondockers Welcome location at a private residence. It was cold; we’re talking 8 degrees overnight cold. The private residence makes dealing with the cold easier because we plug in and have electricity to run our heated floor rug; this makes a huge difference since the floor of the motorhome is frigid. The pets' beds have warming pads, and we can run our little electric heater to assist the propane furnace. It is actually pretty comfortable. In addition, Bell and Willy sleep in the bed with us so they are warm overnight.

A Creative Project for the Cottage

An enjoyable project this month was tackling a dining chair makeover for our vacation rental cottage. I had chairs gifted to me by a downsizing friend, and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to give them a new life. It was a bit of elbow grease, sanding, and painting, and recovering the seats but the transformation was fantastic.

The chairs now look fresh and inviting, and they’ve found a second life in the cottage, adding a touch of character. It’s amazing how a little creativity and effort can breathe new life into second-hand furniture.

Work Trip to Maine Coast

A work assignment took us to mid-coast Maine, one of the prettiest parts of Maine. On our adventure we made a stop in Portland which we had not been to in several years. It was a chance to see all that has changed including the addition of Luke's Lobster. Although the changes are subtle, there are big things happening.

Fortunately, Harbor Fish Market hasn't changed ONE BIT! Maine oysters were available, and we picked up four varieties and shucked them at home. Yum!

Maple Syrup Season Begins Early

To wrap up the month, we tapped 12 maple trees and started collecting sap right away. It's one of those activities that brings joy no matter how cold it is outside. While we don’t have much syrup yet, it’s already an earlier start than last year, and I’m excited to see where this season takes us. Boiling the sap to syrup on the woodstove is a slow and satisfying process, and it’s one of those small joys that make winter feel a little more magical.

Let the Busyness Continue

With winter’s cold grip upon us, it’s easy to get stuck indoors, but for me, that’s just the opportunity to dive into creative projects and new adventures. From cooking and baking to boiling sap and home decor projects, January may have been short in time, but it was long on accomplishments.

Moving firewood keeps me busy 😂.

It’s funny how keeping busy can make time feel like it’s moving faster. So, as the days continue to be short and the snow keeps falling, I’m embracing the chill with open arms—and staying busy every step of the way. After all, winter may have its challenges, but it also brings the perfect excuse to stay indoors, be productive, and make the most of these quieter months.

What are you doing to make the most of winter?

For cold night fun...we were invited to a friend's party barn for a fun evening of drinks, loud music, singing, and trying on cowboy hats. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date. Getting close to 1000 subscribers!! Wine & Whiskey Travelers - YouTube