By Caitlin Kelly
Happy New Year!
As we plunge into 2022, COVID raging, so many of us confined to quarters, we all really need some extra cheer!
First — a big thank you to everyone still showing up here. It’s been (!) 13 years since I posted for the first time, and here we all are.
Also — I am very much hoping you will stay healthy, but if this terrible disease catches you, you are well-vaxxed and it won’t be too grim.
A few things I enjoy:
Regaining our full northwest view of the Hudson River now that the treetops are bare
The exact moment, easily missed and so lovely, when the rising sun behind us on the east bank of the Hudson hits a row of windows on the west bank — making them look like signal fires. I call it the “ruby moment.”
Twinkling lights on a Christmas tree
Getting up for a morning bath, then back to bed under the duvet for more snoozing
Lying in bed reading
The astonishing burst of brilliant orange just as the sun sets
Enjoying all the Christmas cards we stick to the back of our front door
Fruitcake! (yes, really)
Fresh flowers in every room because the skies are so gray — and so are our moods
Silence, broken only by the hissing of radiators
So much great music on Sirius XM: jazz, classical, Classic Rewind, Deep Cuts
The endless beauty of the sky and clouds — just look up!
English and French decorating magazines — all those charming 17th c Cotswold cottages and rambling chateaux!
Playing my vinyl records, from Rocky Horror Picture Show to Vivaldi to Billy Bragg
Clipping and organizing recipes
Trying out new recipes
Clearing out clothes, shoes, household goods for donation or sale
Organizing every drawer and closet, ready for 2022
Re-watching beloved TV series (Derry Girls!) and movies I know so well I can quote the dialogue (The Devil Wears Prada, Casablanca, all the Bourne movies.)
Starting every cold dark morning with the gentle glow of a scented bedside candle
What are some of yours?
Broadside 
a lovely group of simple pleasures – mine are walking in the woods and by the river in the new season, fresh candles lit and with lovely scents, quite music from my favorite indy station, movies I haven’t yet seen, but aspire to do so, thinning out my things and keeping less but things that are more important to me, a wonderful steaming cup of pour-over coffee with swirls of heavy cream, reading my pile of books sitting waiting for me and falling asleep in my comfy bed while doing so.
Nice! Walking in the woods always offers calm and beauty.
Some of my favorite simple pleasures is seeing my weight staying in a healthy range, or getting close if I’ve had a slip. I also enjoy sleeping in late and messing around on my phone afterwards, a nice drive where I listen to an audio book, and just finding some time to write.
I love listening to NPR on long drives….catching up.
I used to listen to NPR, but some of the subjects I listened to gave me anxiety about the ongoing political situation.
There are also lots of shows NOT about politics!
I wish they were on when I was listening! 😂
Their schedule is on-line.
I’ll look. Maybe some of them are horror themed or in line with some of my other interests.
Walking in my ‘hood when it’s snowing and the whole world looks like a giant, serene snowglobe. Seeing fresh tracks and wondering who’s been there before me? Who will be there after me? Will they wonder about me?
YES. I sooo miss snow and its beauty.
A fresh snowfall and a walk. Burning incense at sunrise. Curled up on the couch reading and then dozing off for a nap. Popcorn, cheese and olives are some of my favourite snacks and I often indulge.
All of these sound divine! Snoozing on the sofa is lovely. Thanks!
wrapped up on the couch with hot coffee in my mug stuffed with my husband’s homemade marshmallows
Nice!