Another yet cold day here. A bit warmer but still in the negatives. -6°F, but we may now be in the clear and rise above zero this next week. I'm still crocheting a current blanket for ourselves (odd occurrence, as it's usually for donation). I do need to check in my back ordered yarn. It's the very last day of January today, and it was said to be shipped a week ago. Then again, roads are not in good condition, and the temperatures are cold. I think a new soup should be tried with more snow on the way (oh joy!).
I am getting caught up with crochet book blanket granny squares. I'll try and remember take a photo of them.
Funny story to share. One year I was so pumped for a new "thing" to do (a new venture with gusto), I decided to read all of Ernest Hemingway's books in one year. I had them on my shelf of course (why wouldn't I? Ha ha ha!).
You can see the original post HERE and HERE if you need some winter time entertainment.
The funny part? After a few books, I ditched his books and said nope, not reading anymore. He was either drinking, on the way to the bar, or with women, or both drinking and with women. I soon disliked his writing, no matter how famous the author became. I should have picked another author, but it is a funny story to share. If you read his books, you know what I'm talking about.
Cheers to the blog poster who shared this book! I love a good book that is not a romance, and just literally a good story overall.
Sigh. I am embarrassed to admit, that I've had it for a while, but I am finally reading it and I love it so far! Thank you to whomever it was, but I think it was Far Side of Fifty.
Winter time limits outdoor physical activity for us, but we do have some winter hikes on the agenda (weather permitted). Do you try to get outside or get moving in the winter? Do you do daily indoor exercise? Daily stretching? Do you weigh yourself weekly, or do you just have it checked at the doctor when you are there? The doctor cleared me for exercise, but I'm still waiting on more information from the doctor's suggestions (to see if they are better, different or more helpful).
Do you do anything intentional for your mental health over winter? Herbal, uplifting teas, meeting with friends/family, or possibly journaling? Make travel plans of some fashion? Visit the library more often?
New word I learned for the month: Parsimonious. Overly stingy or frugal, unwilling to spend money/resources.
Ending the month with some thoughts to chew on so to speak. I did absolutely nothing for a Christmas countdown for 2026. I can say, that when I did this last year (countdown), it was a lot of fun trying new recipes for the holidays.
What am I reading? © January 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
Comments
Since California winters are mild, I can still get out and about except if we have days of rain. I tend to get cabin fever in the summer around August when the temperature goes in the opposite direction.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. God bless.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy