Monthly Musings: January 2026

Hello from the frozen tundra that is Kentucky!

We’re officially home from school for the entirety of the week. We got the call yesterday afternoon that today would be an NTI day, and tomorrow will be a snow day.

Where where has this month gone? It’s already the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is about…winter fun/Valentine’s Day.

1. Describe your winter so far in one word.

Harsh. We rarely get snow in December, and we ended up having three snow days that month. Last weekend, we were supposed to get 12 inches of snow, but instead we got around five inches and some ice…followed by bitterly cold temps. The city roads are trying to recover, and it’s just not happening, especially on the secondary and neighborhood roads.

My little snowman flag is frozen!

2. What winter activities have you never tried but want to?

I can’t really think of anything. I always think the idea of going somewhere to ski in the winter sounds fun, but I think I’d be a nervous wreck wondering if someone is going to break something! I’d be good at sipping a beverage by the fire with a view of the mountain! ha!I think I’d be an “Apres ski” girl!

3. Favorite winter beverage?

A hot cup of coffee. I’ve been on an iced coffee kick, but I switched back to hot coffee this week because the temps have been so cold that I can’t stay warm.

4. Least favorite winter chore?

We love Homer, but I think my least favorite chore is letting him in and out. He often stands at the top of the stairs contemplating going out while letting in the cold air. I am thankful that he doesn’t mind going out on his own because some years he gets “spooked” by the snow on the steps, and we have to take him out on a leash.

5. Soup or chili? Share a recipe if you’d like.

I like both…and I like soup/chili season because both often provide leftovers. On Sunday, I made Shay’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup. I wanted to make chili, but finding ground beef proved to be difficult last weekend.

6. Dark chocolate? Milk chocolate? Neither or both?

I prefer dark chocolate. This time of the year, I always think of the little candy assortments that are out for Valentine’s Day.

7. Share your Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day plans.

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year…and I believe it’s President’s Day weekend. I’m sure I will try to make a “special” dinner for the fam or let them choose their favorite foods for dinner like I’ve done in the past. Trav and I always exchange cards, and I get the kids a couple of things.

8. Do you dress festive for Valentine’s Day?

I picked up a gray sweatshirt with a red gingham heart on it at Target a couple of years ago, and that’s about it.

9. Do you make any sweet treats for Valentine’s Day?

The sweet treat is usually whatever candy I get Trav and the kids. Sometimes, we’ll pick up cookies or cupcakes for dessert.

10. What is your love language?

I read that book a few years ago, and my love language is definitely “Acts of Service.”

Well, Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it!