Winter

I turned 48. We had a wonderful low-key family celebration. I am so lucky to have my amazing family. Also, Hanukkah started Sunday night: miraculously, we were able to come up with enough candles for our 2 menoras. The candles required some shaving-off and man-handling, but they worked (the right-size candles were running late). 

That said, it was not all butterflies and rainbows. Sunday was tumultuous. Because emotions that triggered chain reactions, temper tantrums, and stress. 

But we got SNOW!!! And that made my day. Kids went sledding - I really should have joined them but wanted to make borsch - and that can not be hurried. 

 

Also Sunday - the calendars for the grandparents got made. I find the whole process very stressful and frustrating, from selecting the photos to paying to using the coupons/deals, but the family leaned in and helped while I was having a toddler-worthy meltdown. Phew. 

Monday, my husband and I went on a brief hike. The temperature was below freezing and the forest was covered in snow. It was lovely. I wish the entire winter was like this. 

We have bird feeders near our living room windows. What with the snow and the cold, the birds have been devouring the food - and it's like watching a PBS documentary on the nature of power and influence. So much drama and fighting over resources. And in the meantime, the squirrels pick up the scraps and plot revenge. 

How is your winter going so far? What makes you happy? What are you loving right now?