the new normal

Unquestionably, over the past two years we have learned that there is no new normal. That, of course, has itself become the new normal. But how could that be? A new something that claims the something doesn't exist?

These are the questions that run through your head as you try to figure out new routines in a year that promises to disrupt all of them for you. 

Hey, but the weather is typical January: bright and beautiful. And super cold, but we have learned to ignore that. Two out of three is just fine for us.

Breakfast, cozy, with cozy candle of course.

We are all trying to figure out the new Covid protocols as more people call in sick left and right. No one in my family is sick, but these days this seems to be the exception and I don't think we can expect to get through this Covid wave without some fallen troops, with at least mild symptoms or -- wouldn't it be wonderful -- no symptoms at all. One can hope. But in the meantime, we are gauging possible exposures and until we have it all figured out and confirmed by negative PCR tests, we're putting on hold farmhouse visits. So no Sunday dinner unfortunately. 

Ed and I do manage a hike today. Yes, a hike, not a ski run, not a regular old walk in nearby parks, but a lovely hike in the Brooklyn Wildlife Area. I think we needed the forest and the prairies and the birds and all that golden sunshine to wrap their beautiful cloak around our shoulders and give us a push forward in this tricky month of the new year.

Some photos for you:

And since I have no young family pics to share, I'll break my rule of not bringing in day-old photos and post one of sweet little Juniper in Chicago. I did not take this photo -- my daughter did -- but still, if I were to call her on FaceTime, this is what she would say to me:

With her eyes, of course. You do know that newborns don't speak, right? (She is three weeks old.)

Honestly, I do not know of many families (any people?) who are not having a rough time of it right now. Think how much stronger we'll all be when we're over the hump! With characters the toughness of a diamond! 

In the meantime, the snow sparkles, the air is crisp, winter moves forward, oblivious to it all. Tomorrow, despite the next Arctic blast, I am promising myself a day of winter appreciation! 

Until then, with love...