Here we are the last day of January. We are already finished with the first month of the new year. The time of transitions as we shift from focus on holidays and celebrating with family and friends. The new year shiny and bright.
Our first month of the year brought a lot of things to my family. On the first of January we celebrated the 14th birthday of our beloved dog, Cody, in memoriam having lost him the month before. In thinking of Cody, on this day we added a new dog to our family. A 2-1/2 year old German Short-haired Pointer, named Freidmann. Since picking him on New Year’s day we had a few days as a family for him to acclimate to us and bond with our other dog, our 19- month old Weimaraner, Pepper.
January was a return to our schedule, our routine. Back to work for my husband and back to school for our two girls. Back to volunteering in classrooms for me and stepping up the planning of our school’s fundraising Gala/Auction which I am the chair.
In January we returned to the routine of after school activities as well, both girls restarted their ballet classes and Girl Scouts was back on the schedule.
The weather tricked us in January with very cold and frosty mornings, tulle fog on some days and warmer afternoons. In fact, this last week has been in the 70s in the daytime. AND the sun is starting to stay out later longer, now setting well after 5PM which shows the promise of Spring and Summer coming sooner than later.
Now that we are back in the swing of things, our life has taken on its natural hum of doing and going. But there have been a few days scattered here and there that I was going through the motions. Suddenly stuck unable to get more than simple tasks done. Was it the gloomy weather or something else?
I will say with the sun and warm of this last week, I have a feeling of lightness and happiness! Funny how weather can affect you. This time of year when the weather is warm and nice is also the return of children’s voices outside. Our girls and the neighbors playing, playing all day long!
So as we end January, I look forward to February and what’s in store that is known, and not known for our family.
How is the start of your New Year going?
What makes a Real family? 
The weather has definitely been a challenge here. Everyone has a sick kid or two, and we’ve all been stuck inside way too long. Looks like we’ll have another snow day tomorrow too. Enjoy all that sunshine you’re getting for us!