Sunday, January 11, 2015

The Month of January

Hello everyone.  I haven't posted anything in almost two weeks, but there are so many blogs out there and things are pretty competitive, so I don't think anyone is really missed much when they're away.

How is the new year treating you so far?  It may sound crazy, but I like January.  After all the mad frenzy of the holiday season (even though I love Christmas) I like the quiet downtime of January.  I love the starkness of the bare, lacy tree branches and the long shadows they cast on a sunny day.  I love seeing the house return to normal and settle in for some cozy winter months as I get my Christmas decorations taken down and put away.  I love that Downton Abbey is back, even if only for six episodes.  :)  I loved the beauty of the full moon (the Wolf Moon) as it rose in the sky every evening last week.

Our family has three birthdays in January -- my mom, my uncle, my sister-in-law, and now, we have another birthday... 


 Duncan was a year old last Sunday, January 4th.  What a year this has been -- whew!  I think he has probably been our most challenging Scottie yet, but I do believe that's partly because we're older now.  He's a high-energy dog, and boy does he wear us out.  But to be fair to him, he's very smart (too smart sometimes) and "smart" doesn't always translate to "obedient."  ;)

Some other things I'm enjoying this month --

source

I've started reading the new Jan Karon book, and it makes me want to pay another visit to Mitford, otherwise known as Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  If you're a fan of these books, have you read this one yet?  So far, I'm really enjoying it.

On Saturday, January 3rd, hubby and I paid our first visit to the Ikea store in Charlotte, N.C.  Wow, what a fun experience that was.  We couldn't find the small bookcase we wanted to purchase for our son, but instead made several impulse buys (not what I had planned at all).  ;)  Their prices are great!  We'll be paying them another visit to get the bookcase for our son.

I've also been working on a "new" guest bedroom for our home.  We're converting our son's old bedroom into a guest room, and our back bedroom is still the junk room for now.  Not forever, I hope.  We don't normally have guests to stay over, but it's good to have that option available.  I've already used the room one night last week when I couldn't sleep and didn't want to wake my husband.  I love the way the guest bedroom is looking, and I hope it will be ready to share with you in a week, maybe two.  Here's a little sneak peek --



I've been slow out of the gate in my blogging for 2015; there's been a lot to do around the house.  I've been under the weather today, but I'm pretty sure it's just allergies and not a head cold.  What have you been up to this month?  I'd love to hear from you!  Thank you for your visit and have a great week!

Denise  

10 comments:

  1. Hello dear Denise! So good to see a post from you. January is filled with birthdays at our house. Our son's have birthdays on the 16th and 19th and our son's fiance's birthday is the 15th. My brother's birthday is the 22nd and I'm happy to say I'll be in California to be able to take him out for a brew on his day. Then on January 25th our youngest niece Hope has her birthday and while I'm in California she will be celebrating her 7th birthday at Disneyland and we will have a special family party on the 24th. My brother's family (Hope's parents and new brother) live in Dallas and they are traveling to Southern California to celebrate Hope's birthday and also let us all meet our new and latest nephew adopted from the Ukraine. Hope you could follow all of that. Sheesh! I love shopping at Ikea once in a while and they really do have some great items at very good prices. I'm reading Jan Karon's latest book, too, but I'm not barreling through it. I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling up to par and hope that you return to good health and energy levels soon.

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  2. I also like January, time to get organized and get rid of stuff. Christmas was great, but I am glad that it is over.
    I am ashamed of myself as I haven't posted anything for about 6 weeks. I have been having some health issues. To many tests and Dr's visits. But I am feeling much better and will get back into the swing of things.
    Duncan sure is a little cutie. I think as we get older they have to much energy for us LOL. Hope your feeling better and getting your guest room finished. Looking forward to your post.
    Have a great week and stay warm.
    Mary

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  3. Hi Denise. My sister's birthday is this month and a big Happy Birthday to little Duncan. I can truly say I'm glad that I am not in your shoes right now, but he is still one of the cutest little things around. He just looks like a little terror but I would love to give him a big hug..Happy January..Judy

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  4. P.S. I forgot to say that I read that book when it first came out. I loved it and was so glad to see another Father Tim story. Hope there will be more..J

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  5. Happy B-Day Duncan, he's such a cutie! Also lovin' that great plaid comforter! Have a great week Denise:@)

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  6. January must be "get that guest room done" month lol
    I got the holiday decor put away and while I was doing it I should have gotten rid of some stuff but I'll save that task till it gets warmer.. Could yoou believe we woke up to 7 degrees one morning last week- brrrrrrrrrr..
    I say on a daily basis, I LOVE my fireplace :-) my handymas stopped by and competed a few small issues from 2014 and I'm glad to have those done... I already have a 2015 list for him, when he can work me in..
    I havent blogged either and I see the world has gone on without me and guess what-- thats FINE..
    Duncan has turned into quite the handsome gentleman..
    stay warm and safe.
    Sonny

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  7. Hi Denise,
    Happy Birthday to your Duncan! I can't believe he's a year old already.
    I'm like you, I love the month of January and February, too. I just relish the slower pace and the quiet.
    I'm looking forward to seeing your updated guest room. It's always nice to have a new project to work on.
    Happy New Year!

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  8. Hi Denise:
    Good to get an update from you.
    A reader of my own book, A Good Home, just emailed to say he was now on his fourth reading of my book, and I immediately thought of the Mitford series, which I re-read every few years.
    And then, right after, I opened your post - and couldn't believe that you mentioned Jan Karon and Mitford.
    I have read all Jan Karon's books, including the new one.
    What a comfort!

    Wishing you a good day - and watch yourself at Ikea - a person can spend a lot of money there! (big smile)

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  9. It's fun to do up a guest room, we did that when our son moved out. i too like January and I like the cold for a change! Hope you get to feeling well. I'm struggling with recovering from whatever has been going around this area. And I'm almost done with the new Mitford book. At the same time my husband and I are listening to the book about when they traveled to Ireland--I got out an audio book on my phone… Amazing I could figure out that technology (well i had a little help). LOL. Stay warm!

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  10. Ok, You had me at Blowing Rock, NC. I have not read many books for pleasure for many years but apparently I am missing out on some really good reading. I just pinned the book cover onto my goal list for the New Year - to read this book. Also on my goal list is to update our guest bedroom. I could use a nice nightstand and some fresh paint in there. New bedding would be great too.

    Duncan is a real cutie, you can't help but love that little face.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS. I ENJOY READING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.

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