January is a prime month for trip planning. One usually finds himself in that “renewal” head space, fresh off Christmas and looking to fulfill some best intention or healthy resolution by embarking on a novel adventure. I got a couple of treats for Christmas (new canoe barrel back pack / metal wood bin brackets) that I’m itching to try. Beyond that, a bonus “snow day” with the ol’ VISA and an internet connection and you’ve got yourself a trip to the sunny south or jam packed vacation abroad. Ah… but 2021 was not going to be taken advantage of so easily!
Yes… this is the time of Covid-19 era decision making. No unnecessary travel abroad, to the point where our PM stated “Now is just not the time to be flying“. Further, the “Atlantic Bubble” had burst and halted most inter-provincial movement of Maritimers. The folks tied to tourism related service industry must surely be taking a hit! Looks like I’ll be making a reservation for an all inclusive trip to Smelt Lake again this March Break (Oh well 😉). None too warm in Guysborough County in mid-March, but definitely good for the soul and filled with fresh air, dreams of spring and, as always, a deafening quiet.
The month wasn’t a total bust though, as we did tackle a chore or two this January. Most notably, renovations in our back entry took off. As part of our lower floor improvements (kitchen work completed in October), the porch saw a complete gut of cupboards, full floor refinish, new electrical fixtures and a fresh coat of white latex on anything that moved. I actually enjoyed the floor work… that was a first for me and we were happy to restore the softwood floor that had seen its share of water damage over the last 17 years. Ideas for new storage solutions and installation (wishing I had dividends with IKEA) should fill our first weekends of February.