As New Year's Eves go, ours was as low key as last year. We haven't really gone "out" to celebrate for years and years, and at the most, we get together with friends. Last night was just husband and I, watching the 'old' version of "Murder on the Orient Express' on tv. We switched over to the CBC close to midnight to watch an equally low key count down to midnight, then switched back to watch the rest of the movie. We texted a happy new year to our kids, only one of whom was with other people (his house mates in college) doing something celebratory.
As I look out this (late!) morning, there is no snow on the ground. I still must go out and collect the usual three eggs and top up the chicken food. White chicken is soon to join the great coop in the sky, I'm pretty sure. I am buoyed by the news I am reading about this virus seeming to be in the 'end game' because honestly, I'm so done with it. I long for normalcy. I long for lack of divisiveness. I long for news that has no stats in it. Enough said, because I don't want to get anyone riled up (something else I long to have an end to).
On a different note, I just started reading a brand new Patricia Cornwell. It's called Autopsy. I have read all of her books with Scarpetta in them, some were better than others, but I do like a series, so I am looking forward to getting my teeth into this one. Are any of you Cornwell readers?
I am also getting very antsy about my Christmas decorations. I had decorated the house pretty extensively (back when I thought I was hosting a big gathering), and now it's getting to me. Because I'm still dealing with some back issues, my clean up has to be done in small chunks, rather than a big ol' marathon session (which is what I would much rather do, and be done), so I'll tackle something today, something tomorrow, and so on, with the final arrangement of big containers in the store room being left to husband or son. Are you a "leave it up after New Years" kind of Christmas decorator, or more of a "Christmas is over, let's pack things up" person? When I was teaching full time, all of this would have been packed up and put away by now. Once the Christmas break (two weeks) was up, I needed my head in the game and did not want to be dealing with tasks at home. So, this is late for me this year.
New Year's Resolutions? I have done in the past. I do have a couple of things in mind for this year. I'm a pretty goal oriented person and love a good check list. Having things to work towards, having start and end times, well, that's been my whole career hasn't it? I am looking forward to a better year. I like the sound of "Twenty twenty-two". This will be my first full year of retirement, something that was more difficult than I anticipated it to be, but I feel that I can be more comfortable in it now.
To all the people out there who are kind enough to read this blog and even comment from time to time, I hope this new year brings positive changes for you, brings fulfillment and contentment, and sees a return to more carefree times. Happy 2022!
It's not uncommon on the prairies to see Christmas decorations left up until January 7th, which is Ukrainian (Orthodox) Christmas. I hope your back issues resolve themselves soon, Jenn, so you can enjoy 2022!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. The back issues play into my resolutions! I did not know anything about the Ukrainian Orthodox - always learning something new. -Jenn
DeleteYes we also leave the tree up as this is the 12 days of Christmas and when the three wise men came bringing gift to Jesus
DeleteAll good New Year wishes to you in your first year of retirement. That occasion for me is almost forty years ago (I retired at fifty) and has included the death of my dear first husband, another happy marriage of over twenty years and the death of a second husband. Now, alone, and no longer able to get around or to drive my blog friends play a huge part in my life and I am happy. Make the most of every minute.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog regularly and I agree that you do seem to make the most of your days and have a positive outlook - something all of us can benefit from! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteHi, Weaver. Happy New Year!
DeleteI think 2022 is going to be great. I don't know how it can be, but something tells me it will be.
ReplyDelete"Are you a "leave it up after New Years" kind of Christmas decorator, or more of a "Christmas is over, let's pack things up" person?"
Usually, I am the one who wants to put the tree up early and leave it up way too long. This year I was done with the whole thing and we took the tree down the day after Christmas. I don't know that I have ever taken a tree down so fast. It felt different this year, the holiday, the country, my hopelessness about the future. But now...2022 is going to be better. I can feel it.
I do hope your feelings are correct!
DeleteOur New Year's Eve was very subdued also. Just wrote a post to that effect but haven't put it up yet. I've read a lot of Patricia Cornwell in the past and much enjoyed her writing. For the past year (or so) I've had a hard time reading anything but light fluff. (A sign of the times?) I usually really drag our holiday decorations out until the first week in January and even then, my husband would like to see them stay longer. I do hate removing all the color and lights that make it seem warmer and cozier inside. Resolutions? Continuing to seek a more balanced life. To not make so many lists of things that must/should be done. (Need to change my thinking on that.) Your wish for carefree times in 2022? Oh gosh, if only! Happy New Year to you, Jenn. And thanks for your always interesting posts.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny because I went in a similar direction with my reading, too. I used to read quite graphic, freaky murder mysteries (think Jeffrey Deaver if you know him) and then got to the point where I preferred British murder mysteries. Someone always dies, but it's in a nice setting with polite people! Ha ha.
DeleteA carefree 2022 would be ideal. We could all breath a sigh of relief. My decorations will pack up by the end of the first week in January. Everything goes in to storage bins and up to the attic space. Wishing you all the best for 2022.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan!
DeleteHi Jenn. All the best wishes for that happier and better new year! I am a 'Christmas is over, pack it up' kind of person, usually shortly after New Year's day. This year..strangely, I've packed up all the decorations but have left the tree and lights up. It is so cheery on these dark mornings and dreary, grey days. Hopefully we will soon get the winter of snow and crisp, sunny days I long for, and then I'll take the tree down! As for New Year's eve..I think the best way to see the new year in, is to be well rested, so do not stay up at all.
ReplyDeleteGo easy on that back of yours.
Our tree is still up, as well. It is nice in the evenings.
DeleteKronia Polla. I hope 22 is a much better year and we find freedom.
ReplyDeleteI think I've read most of P Cornwall's books. I enjoy them but now find them a bit too long. I like a good who-dunnit but prefer the ones by British authors. I listen to them on YouTube. I can find more variety there and they send me to sleep.
I'm slowly hiding away the decorations. Can't do it too fast or I'll have complaints. Xmas is over, so is new year. But wait!! Carnival is approaching fast. Dammit. Too much going on here
All the best
I just replied back to Mama Pea that I gravitated more toward British murder mysteries, too. I look forward to your post(s) about Carnival. -Jenn
DeleteSo sorry your back is still bothering you. I am going to keep my decorations up a bit longer. The weather is dreary, and the nights are long the decorations are a bright spot.
ReplyDeleteGoals I have a couple May just to stay healthy is the most important one.
Cathy
It sounds like others agree with you - the decorations are staying because of the cheer they provide at night.
DeleteI have always had all the decs up for Yuletide, two weeks before and after Solstice. Just didn't have the urge to decorate this year, and ivy and pine branches were in short supply...so just all the cards we received...and a plate with robins and Holly! I will clear them on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteI had a peek at your blog to see where you are from, as you said ivy and pine branches were in short supply. I'm pretty sure it's Scotland? The only real greenery that gets brought in here is the tree.
Delete"Are you a "leave it up after New Years" kind of Christmas decorator...?"
ReplyDeleteDefinitely... tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving and all stays up until the week after New Years. It's so cozy to have the tree lit up... don't you think? But we will start taking things down a little at a time Monday.
I've been retired for 10 years this past August. It's wonderful. DH and I are so lucky to have this time in retirement together. So many don't.
And I too don't read too many heavy novels these days... need uplifting enjoyable reading right now. And I truly hope that this omicron variant is a sign the virus is weakening, but know in my heart that it's also possible that it will continue to mutate... and who knows what will come next. But we've learned a lot and that should help us cope.
Wishing you a healthy happy 2022!
Ten years of retirement - a bit unfathomable for me at the moment. Keep enjoying your tree!
DeleteA new author! Thanks for the recommendation, Jenn! I'm a "get it over and done with" person re: Christmas decorations. They are all gone as of yesterday, a kind of clearance before welcoming in the new year. I don't do resolutions but I am planning to have a "dry" January (after all the booze is finished, of course, which may take a while)!
ReplyDeleteIf you do decide to start reading Cornwell, choose her books with Kay Scarpetta in them and try to read them in order if possible. I don't think I will join you in a dry January ;)
DeleteI adore Patricia Cornwell novels and have quite a few. Must see if I can get it as an ebook (trying not to buy physical books too often as my husband gets a bit antsy over my collection as it is).
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
God bless.
I don't buy books (fiction, anyway) but get them from the library. For me, once I've finished a mystery, I won't be reading it again, so it just makes sense to get it on loan.
DeleteEnjoyed this post. Normally I take down all the Christmas decorations the day after Christmas but not this year. We will probably do it tomorrow. The extra lights have just felt warm and cozy. Sorry you have a hen that looks like she might die. I've been through it many times. Sad but not much you can do. Hope your back feels better soon. Back problems are awful! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've lost many chickens over the many years that I have kept them. Thank you for the good wishes. How is your arm coming along, by the way?
DeleteOof...back issues. I hope they are resolved so you can relax and enjoy yourself. I don't know when we'll pack up our tree. We didn't put out too many decorations this year and I enjoy seeing the tree lit up, especially when it's dark out. But we'll see. I say that every year and a few days into January, I start to feel like cleaning up and putting away. Happy 2022!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2022 to you too, Martha!
DeleteI've spent the weekend pressure canning meat, spaghetti sauce and chili. We've also had a winter storm with frigid temps and snow. Farmer has been keeping the cattle fed and watered.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow I will take down the tree and the more Christmassy decorations while leaving up the winter-themed.
We've been very fortunate so far this winter in our part of Ontario, but having said that, we just got snow last night (not much though).
DeleteHappy new Year!
ReplyDeleteI'm so over the statistics reports too. I hope we are on the downward slide, but cases are still climbing at a scary rate in our county. People I know who have it say it's just like the same old postChristmas cold they've had every other year, so who know eh?
Yes, cases are up in our area too, but hospitalizations (due specifically to the virus) are down, however the govt. hasn't done a good job insisting that the stats reflect just that. I have a friend who is a pharmacist who told me she knows of so many people who have tested positive but have no symptoms whatsoever.
DeleteHear hear! I fell much as you do. I’m ready for the end to all of the negativity that has prevailed so much in 2019-2021.
ReplyDeleteNormally my Christmas decor would be gone by now, but I purposely kept it up so that our house would look nice for the dinner party we had this afternoon. I don't want to do the marathon tomorrow, but I'll get started.
I no longer make resolutions in the new year, mostly because I don't think they're worth our time. If you want to make a change, do it, but don't use the excuse of Jan 1.
I am retiring this year...I'm sure it will be an adjustment! But I feel ready for it. Got any pointers?
Advice on retirement? It will hit you in ways you didn't expect. I felt I had to be a flurry of activity every single day after retirement. I was very antsy with it and felt guilty if I wasn't doing something productive. I'm probably not the best person for advice, because I don't think I handled it particularly well, mind you, retiring during a lockdown wasn't ideal either.
DeleteYour new years sounded pretty much like ours... as for this virus,, yep, Im so over it and everything that goes with it. I am praying people are getting covid tired and will move on. I for one have had enough up to my eyeballs. I usually keep my Christmas decor and tree up until The Epiphany ( January 6th) but then again in the last few years I have put out minimal decor because it all was making me feel claustrophobic and because of my body I dont have the energy for all that anymore so now when I decorate i strive for minimal elegance 😊
ReplyDeleteMinimal elegance sounds just fine!
DeleteI hope this new year is a good one for you. Hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteYou too, Edna!
DeleteHope this first full year of retirement is good for you. The rest of us could also use a year (or ten) without conflict, viruses and stupidity. Let's hope 2022 brings us enough good news to balance out the rest.
ReplyDeleteSince I didn't really decorate for the holiday, I've only a couple of things to put away. Small mercies. :)
There is something to be said for minimal decorating!
DeleteWe had a very low key New Year's Eve, too. Still feeling not so great and with family with Covid we all were down for the count. I am getting antsy about getting Christmas packed away, too, but still feeling pretty crummy so will wait a few days, I guess. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone starts to feel better soon!
DeleteHappy New Year! Let's all hope that 2022 brings an end to the pandemic and happier times for all. I know I'll breathe easier when my four year grandson can be vaccinated too.
ReplyDeleteI put most everything away yesterday, except for those items that aren't expressly Christmas - snowmen and stuffed toys. Otherwise it looks far too barren for me after the excess of Christmas.
I hope your back issues are resolved soon. It's amazing how many muscles in your back affect so many aspects of your life.
Thank you, and happy new year to you as well!
DeleteSorry, a little late to the party. Happy New Year. Sorry that you anticipate White Chicken's leaving ... I am with you about being more than done with COVID, enough! Mr Man is SO enjoying sitting in the evening by the main Christmas tree, I said I'd leave up until 12th night, but then it's away. I've been slowly putting the rest of Christmas away, quietly as not to shock Mr Man. Lists & possible TO Dos in 2022 & maybe I'll try with One Little Word project again. Sending lots of healing thoughts that your back issues clear up soon.
ReplyDeleteAS I type this reply, I have now cleared away everything except the tree /ornaments, a wreath on the door, and garland around the front door outside. It feels good.
DeleteNo resolutions here! And I'm a leave it up till Equinox if need be. The big tree will come down after Twelfth Night and probably some of the small ones. I have 11 this year, which is a lot for a tiny little house! I'll leave two in the living room for at least till Valentine's day (one for sure till the snow melts or the equinox comes. The family room trees will come down around Twelfth Night, too, and the bedroom one. I leave the angel tree in the guest room up all year. It's nice for the light when I go meditate or read in there. But I did take down most of the Santas today. Snow guys will come this week. I'll leave the bottlebrush forest up for awhile. It cheers me. Besides, I move more slowly than I used to! Have a VERY happy new year!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could ever match your level of house decorating, Jeanie! I do recall your Valentine tree.
DeleteMy resolutions are specific and achievable ; I approach them as gradual habits to develop
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas decorations will slowly come down over the next few weeks. The tree alone will take a fortnight.
Good approach. I'm quite keen on the couple of goals I have set for this year - for one of them, the end point is in May, so giving myself time to achieve it.
DeleteHappy New Year, Jenn. My decorations are still up too. I like to leave them a while to enjoy although some years they come down before Jan 1. but I'll start taking them down this week, sadly. I do enjoy the lights and the trees. As for resolutions, I haven't made any the last few years, but there are longstanding goals I am still working toward.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, too!
Delete