What do you do in January?

[MeMeMeMeOw]

I don't mean resolutions, dry January, starting a diet, going to the gym, that sort of thing.

What things are there in January that make it a bit brighter and warm and sparkly? We've booked for a Burns Night thing at the end, and a monthly storytelling night, also going to an Epiphany event at a cathedral. And a Fish and Fizz on Friday 3 January with a friend at her house.

What things do you all do? Or do you hibernate? That sounds good, too.

I'd like to hibernate (particularly given how cold it's been for the past week). Unfortunately, work gets in the way . Anyway, I have a few big family birthdays this month, so there will be at least one night out - a meal in a restaurant. I've also booked tickets to a concert at the National Concert Hall. I'm going with my Dad. That's about it really.

Other than that I'm going to hunker down, watch TV and eat/drink any leftovers from Christmas.

Roll on February - Bank Holiday weekend, short month, longer evenings etc.

Astrophotography. Long nights and the clear skies in this cold weather is perfect for it.

Booked a cool immersive art exhibition (David Hockney at the Factory, Mcr)

Lots of walks, you will start noticing the season change around you

Baking - even if it's 'healthier' stuff like breakfast muffins, flapjacks, or a French-inspired savoury tart

Buy a new diary (if you haven't already) and start looking to see what events will be on over the year: gigs, theatre, sporting events, etc. and add them in. Very satisfying way to spend a cosy evening in with some new pens and a cup of tea.

Try out a new restaurant - many offer discounts or offers in January and it's a good way to eat somewhere that maybe cost just a bit too much before.

Reading and staying warm mostly

Well this week I have aced recycling I tell you !

Monday - kerbside Charity Shop pick up ( the bag through the letterbox type ) I am always a tiny bit dubious with these . Four bags ( binliner sized ) gone

Tuesday- recycling ( paper./plastic/glass ) 4 bags and the general waste ( regular refuse collection)

Fri- bag of toiletries picked up (all unopened and in date but some were BOGOF that I am struggling to finish the first one )

Electricals recycled ( small electricals ) 4 items

2 big bags to Charity Shop ( clothes/shoes plus kitchen items)

On a roll now , I;m going to move some things in the Utility rooom.

While I am on No Spend January , I managed to declutter about £90 on clothes for DD and DS .

I loathe the January to March period every year! Can't go away, even for weekends, so just normal working weeks and largely hibernation weekends here! I will be trying to catch up with friends and visit my parents again in Hampshire at some point during Feb half term.

Very boring, but after the last few months of 2024 being one crisis after another, I'll take a normal month or two...

Look pitifully at my bank balance 😩

I'm also planning with my cousin to go to a cat cafe in the half term.

Oh we went to one in June , it was lovely .
The cats were mainly snoozing on their Cat Shelves or striding about . There was a kitten who they all decided could Take One For The Team and entertain us Hoomans while the adult cats got on with important things . Like sleep . Or wash .

We have two cats of our own (CPL cats) so not at all tempted to adopt any of these beautiful felines