Newcomers to the Cove: January

In 1872, the English poet Christina Rossetti published a famous poem which begins:

“In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.”

Gustav Holst later set her poem to music and most folks would still recognize his lyrical tune today. His song came to mind recently as I pondered what January is like in the Cove. I think Rossetti’s poem sums up January pretty well. January is not only the coldest but also the windiest month in Pennsylvania.

Before moving here, we lived in several places that literally had no winter…no cold temperatures, no snow, and no icy roads. We spent a lot of time outside. Nancy and I are outdoors people but we really don’t spend a lot of time outside this time of year.

There are limited things to accomplish outdoors in winter. Leaves have fallen, the lawn is dormant, and home maintenance is limited to whatever needs attention inside the home. We’ve stopped gardening, weeding, mowing, washing and waxing the car, biking rails-to-trails, hiking and kayaking at Raystown, and motorcycle rides.

After the constant activity of the Christmas and New Year holidays, we’re ready for some “down time.” The kids have gone back to work after Christmas visits, grandchildren are back in school, decorations are once again stored, and the house is oddly quiet. We guard our attitude else we may fall into mild post-holiday blues. So how do we intelligently spend time in January? Here are some productive things to do during the long January midwinter.

Write thank you notes for recently received gifts or write cards of encouragement for those who are going through a rough time.

Plan excursions for the upcoming spring, summer, and fall. Document your schedule on a calendar so it becomes “definite.” Events like the Bedford Fall Fest, camping expeditions, a trip to the shore, medical appointments, and car maintenance are all placed on our refrigerator calendar.

Sort digital pictures taken this past year. Delete old files (both paper and digital). Backup your digital files. Update your Facebook page.

Tie flies for trout season in April. Clean and store the deer rifle.

Sort through old boxes in the attic. Throw out junk found in those boxes.

Relax in a manner you enjoy by reading a good book or two, watching movies on your playlist, or by simply taking a nap. Learn to decipher Sudoku.

Create a unique pattern and make your own quilt.

Take up a new hobby like wood burning or building model airplanes from kits. Learn to play the piano, flute, guitar, or other musical instrument. Perform special music in church or join a band. Better yet, start a community band.

Attend some high school basketball games and wrestling meets. Use a treadmill or stationary bike to get your heart pumping.

Look up an old army buddy.

Write a letter to the editor. Become a Herald columnist.

Nancy and I have retired at last. Life quickly went from afterburner to idle. I never thought about time as a resource until I finally had some extra time to work with. I fully recognize most of our readers are still in the workforce and their time is limited. We all have the same amount of time each day to accomplish whatever we must. However, I encourage each of you to use your allotment of time wisely, no matter your stage in life…especially in the bleak mid-winter!