End of January Faves

 

It's finally the end of January. January tends to be my least favorite month of the year followed by February. You can guess why. At least this Winter, we actually have had a bit of snow although never more than 4 inches at a time in my town and I'm ok with that. That's a blessing in my mind. And speaking of blessings...it's Friday and the day I link up at Susanne's blog with other thankful bloggers to share our five favorite blessings from the week. It's good to be thankful all the year round. 

image courtesy of Am*zon

• In House Date Night: Last Friday night was "Date night" for Dave and I.  We ordered Indian Food (vegetable curry, chicken tika masala, extra Naan, Basmati rice) and chose compliments of  Hulu, a movie musical I've been wanting to see yet  hadn't.  We loved it! This is now ranked as my absolute #2 fave movie musical right behind Hugh's other movie musical Les Miserables. Hugh is an amazing actor.....and he can actually sing! The choreography and underlying themes were exquisite. I highly recommend this movie. It's based on B.T. Barnum's life and how he started the Circus.  What was false in the movie though: the singer Jenny Lind did not have a romantic affair with Barnum.  Nor did they kiss.  That was all Hollywood. She was known for her beautiful singing voice but ended her opera career when a legalistic minister  told her singing opera music was "evil".  You can look it up! I'm thankful for an enjoyable, cozy evening at home with my hubby watching what is truly one of the greatest shows on earth. (no pun intended!!) 

• CONVERSATION:  A choir member that sits next to me during our rehearsals was chatting with me before rehearsal began about my hiking group. She asked if it was possible to join. I told her I was technically "Closed" to new members but since I hadn't received the paper work from a man who had signed up last fall, I was dropping him back to the waiting list and could add her in. She immediately filled out the required forms, I did a quick interview about her experience (she's a beginner hiker) and she was added to the group!  I'm so thankful I took the time to chat with her because my intent on arriving early was to go over some notes I had from my Bible study workbook. This conversation really cemented in me that I need to stay flexible when new friends approach. I have a feeling Suzanne and I are going to turn out to be not just alto partners, but good friends.  

• COZY CANDLELIGHT: This past week, I have done a lot of reading. The book is excellent and I've spent most of my evenings, after dinner and time with husband, just sitting in the living room where it's quiet, with my 3 cinnamon candles lit and a soft reading lamp and have enjoyed some time in a great story.  Dave either watches his show on Paramount + with headphones on in the family room or is upstairs in his work office or on the bed reading or listening to podcasts  so the house is very quiet. I'm thankful for the ambiance and a warm home for these cold nights. 

• HAIR APPOINTMENT!  I spontaneously decided I wanted to go back to the shorter cropped asymmetrical cut I've had most of the last 10 years in one style or another. I used to love my long hair (it was down to my waist for most of my college days until the last semester when I cut it to shoulder length). But as I've gone all natural with the color and with getting older as in past 60...I find that long hair makes one look even older! At least on my face shape. Of course more than 1 hair stylist has told me this as well. So I was able to get into the shop where I normally go, and she cut it back to a more manageable style for my very thick, silver hair. In fact, I had her thin out the longer side and back because it's just so heavy and thick!  I'm thankful for a good stylist who has reasonable prices and can get me in on the same day usually. 

French Pressed Coffee and berries

Chicken Pesto Pizza

• CATCHING UP:  Wednesday evening, my next door neighbor/friend Melissa and I went out to dinner  to this local fave. It was her first time there. I had the chicken pesto pizza (brought half of it home to share with Dave for lunch on Thursday) and a glass of Riesling. She had a glass of Merlot and the Bruschetta pizza. We hadn't had a good long chat since August!  She still works full time as does her husband. She has one daughter still living at home and  we had so much to catch up on!  I was thankful we had a great conversation and marvelous food. Then yesterday late afternoon, my youngest daughter Claire came over and had French pressed coffee with me (she also had a piece of my Gingerbread cake that is totally vegan) and I snacked on some berries. We had some catching up to do. She's taking a Chem class at U Albany because she only took Chem in high school and needs college Chem to become a licensed Optician with NYS. She said her lab partner is only a freshman so she is 8 years older than the girl. But she said it's a super easy course for her so working full time in her apprenticeship shouldn't harm her  grades/studying. She's just so busy that I rarely  see her. I'm thankful we had a couple of hours together to chat and catch up. 

That wraps up my favorite blessings from the week.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Let's pray for the families of the horrible crash in D.C.  My heart goes out to all of those people who lost loved ones in  such a horrific manner.  Dave and I actually saw 2 of the figure skaters from the Boston Skating Club perform at First Night on Frog Pond in Boston on Dec 31, 2023. They were so young and talented. My heart breaks for their family and team members.