I’ve had a bit of a block lately: Sorry that I haven’t written. I’ve been hibernating a bit, like a bear. Time to wake it up and shake it up! It’s February, The little month of valentines and my birthday!

I remember when I was little, I didn’t have many birthday parties because it was the middle of winter, but I got to choose where we went out to eat. I often chose The Fox and Hounds, a very fancy place out in the country. What an event it always was! I remember I used to always get Veal Oscar. I thought I was a princess when we would go there.

https://www.foxandhoundsrestaurant.com/

I definitely have to go back there sometime.

If we didn’t go out to eat we’d eat in, and I could choose my favorite meal. I’m sure I often chose beef stew.

Another great thing about my birthday was that Mom would make my favorite cake, an angel food with the top removed, and a trench made, then filled with cool whip that had been liberally mixed with chopped up Heath bars. Then she would put the top back on and cover the whole shebang in cool whip. Ahhhh, my favorite. Maybe I’ll make on this year!

Nathan and I will be low key for my birthday this year. We often go out to eat, and last year we stayed at our favorite B&B, this year I think I will make a heath cake; I’ll have to check in with Mom to make sure I have to process right. And we’ll make something wonderful in the IP. Actually, beef stew sounds great. With cornbread drizzled with maple syrup. Sounds cozy, and cozy is definitely what February needs.

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Winter is as Hygge as it gets. Afghans and cocoa and a cat on the lap, maybe with some knitting or a book. I am definitely enjoying this winter since I don’t have to trudge and slide through the snow to work. Mom just gave me some fantastic walking poles, and I do need to shake off the hibernation and get out a bit. But not this weekend: Rumors of very cold weather coming. snuggle in time. Nathan especially likes snuggling in and having cozy time at home.

Lately I have been binge watching contest shows on streaming. There’s a glass blowing contest called “Blown Away” on Netflix, which is amazing, and a pottery contest called, I think, “The Great Pottery Throw Down.” on HBO Max. I also have a secret shameful obsession with “Hell’s Kitchen” on Hulu, I think Gordon Ramsay is so compelling, even when he’s yelling and swearing at his kitchen crew. Maybe watching all that anger on the screen is cathartic for me. I don’t know. But I do enjoy watching people cook. I sit in my comfy chair and knit, and let them do all the hard work. The Great British Baking show is a favorite.

Phryne and Dot are my constant companions, they move from room to room with me. It’s so sweet.

Last February I went to the psychiatric hospital, and I was there for a week, including on my birthday. They were so loving and kind and helpful, and it was there that I discovered my real love for crafting, as they had art therapy. I discovered how therapeutic coloring could be, and I made a window stained glass thing with birds on it for my mother. I was so sad. I’m happy to say that this year is very different. But it’s good to know that they are there if I ever need help again. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. And I recommend to anyone feeling extremely hopeless to reach out and get help, even if you have to be in the hospital for a while. That’s why they are there: to give you a pause, a break. There’s no stigma or shame in it.

If you are feeling a bit crushed down with winter, just remember, the first day of Spring is Sunday, March 20th. That’s just 45 days away! We can do it.

Nathan and I are going to get a park sticker this year and try to visit as many state parks as we can! I can report on my visits here on my blog. My favorite Wisconsin state park is Wyalusing, in the southwest corner of the state. It’s a total gem and a must-visit. I really wish Wisconsin state parks had lodges, like parks in many other states. I would like to visit more of those. I remember when Sam was younger we made a trip to Philly so Sam could visit his friend Chris. Nathan and I stayed at Cacapon State Park in West Virginia. It was wonderful. He and I had not had a time away to ourselves in a long time.

https://wvstateparks.com/park/cacapon-resort-state-park/

I would love to have a getaway. Nathan suggested we stay at the cabin his uncle built on the farm land they have down in Indiana. That for sure is a good idea, but I’d want to do it in the Summer.