Funny how plans change!
I planned to make a simple New Year's dinner, but then I remembered that I had thawed some chicken, and there was about a cup of leftover red wine, so I went looking for a recipe and ended up making Julia Child's Coq au Vin. Of course, mine was probably nothing like hers! But it was pretty darn tasty. I made a side of yams and of course the traditional cabbage, and we had a feast. And I completely forgot to take photos!
Earlier in the day I thought a bit about how I wanted to spend this day. To me, New Year's Day seems like a bellwether for the coming year, so I try to be intentional about what I do. I spent an hour reading, something I don't allow enough time for these days. Nothing heavy, just a few short stories. Then I went back to work on my data for taxes, getting a lot accomplished there.
Next was a walk with the dogs. Pip has not been on a walk since we got him. It's not an issue, as he has full run of our land, and rarely goes more than 100 yards from the house. But I did not want him to forget how to behave on a leash. The poor guy seems to associate the leash with having to get in the van, and he was a job to catch and get leashed up! I finally cornered him in the bedroom, and off we went to catch up with Larry and Buddy.
Buddy was so excited! Larry walked him regularly last winter, when we had to keep Buddy inside unless he was on the lead, or he would run off. It was no fun, I can tell you. Being country dwellers, neither of us was accustomed to having to take a dog out to do its business! And since I had just had knee surgery, I was afraid to take him myself as he is a pretty strong boy. Buddy has been a lot of work, time, and expense, but he's now a very good boy since we got the "stubborn dog " electronic fence, and can roam about 3/4 of an acre freely. As long as his collar battery doesn't go dead, that is!
So, reading, cooking, keeping up paperwork, and taking a walk: those seem like good omens for the coming year. Not resolutions, I have given up on that idea, but predictors, I hope, of things to come.
Do you make resolutions, or have goals for this year?
Getting outdoors for a bit, especially in winter, seems to clear the brain. I find it too easy in bad weather to huddle inside reading or puttering at small tasks. Resolutions; I'm not good at either making or keeping them, so mostly I don't--and never making them in conjunction with the New Year.
ReplyDeleteI am the same. Winter just makes me nest! So the dogs give me a reason to get outside. The air feels so good!
DeleteI used to earnestly make resolutions, but by summer they had scattered to the wind.
...dead batteries are a serious problem these days. Everything needs a battery!
ReplyDeleteTruth!
DeleteYou should, Sue, hahaha - I have the movie right here - sadly in German - Kokowääh - a sweet, sweet movie and "Coq au Vin" is spelled like that there. Oh, I watched the movie about Julia Child, too.
ReplyDeleteMy kiddie´s doc´s name was Dr. Born, btw. Maybe I make a post about names soon...
Oh-oh, taxes...
And thank you for training your dogs. I had "some not-so-nice" encounters with unleashed dogs and our right-next-door-neighbor just says, "he doesn´t do anything", freaking me out. Also in the street or "normal" park... free roaming dogs or on a loooong leash.
The person walking where cars drive? Me. Dog right ahead.
I never make resolutions.My goal: Have fun, stay (haha, get) healthy and my job back after a great holiday!
We got out too. It was quite refreshing in the cold.
ReplyDeleteI do not do resolutions! This sounds like a great way to start the year
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to huddle inside when it's cold. We've had a particularly windy winter so far and that really keeps me inside.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your Coq au Vin was JUST like Julia Child's! I love the way she made (still makes, really, through the videos of her original cooking shows) recipes approachable and all manner of cooking straightforward but also exciting. I love that her kitchen is in the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful way to spend the new year. I don't really do any resolutions anymore. In my head are things I want to do more or, or less of. But resolutions, not so much. I loved your day!
ReplyDeleteI can't have dogs anymore for the reason you mentioned with Buddy. It makes me sad but I have a crew of cats and they are demanding little critters! I don't make resolutions. I know I'll break them so...? Dinner sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteIt was 2º here this morning. Dan walked the granddog. I got her ready and welcomed her back with treats as I wiped her feet. Will head out a bit later to meet up with two friends for lunch.
ReplyDeleteAs for resolutions vs. goals, I do a long term to do list and leave it at that.
Pretty fancy cooking! In what way is cabbage traditional? I'm not familiar with that.
ReplyDeleteI make it a point to walk outside each day, though my motivation for it in the cold weather is low!
ReplyDeleteMany years since I had coq au vin. I should try it again., I always enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI wandered over to your blog from Live and Learn due to a post about you being a fan of Winter Morning Walks. I, too, am a fan and also think I'm going to enjoy reading your blog! I love how your dogs have different feelings about the leashes. One of my dogs will herd me toward her leash every so often and then nudge the leash with her nose. She is not afraid to communicate every longing and feeling she has! She would never come inside if she lived in a place like your dogs do!
ReplyDeleteNo resolutions for me. I just try and do what I can and go where I wish. Have a good day!
ReplyDelete