I have enjoyed getting back into the regular routine and getting the house back in order. As much as I enjoy the celebration of December it is nice to be back to normal.
In our after Christmas tidying up, we also decided to do a little rearranging or rather leaving of the chairs. To accommodate the Christmas tree in front of the windows, one of the side chairs is moved to the other end of the sofa. This year we decided to leave the chairs where they were and add a footstool. I was a bit worried people would be prone to trip over the footstool as we are all use to plenty of space in front of the couch, but so far it has been fine and the footstool has been a comfy addition.
With the weather so gray and chilly, it is hard to be motivated to do much of anything. Lots of books have been read!
Mandy and I are taking turns reading aloud to each other, one reads and one knits. At least knitting is being accomplished! Our favorites have been Grace Livingston Hill books. I was fascinated to read the detailed description of Jane's apartment in Exit Betty (copyright 1920). And The Mystery of Mary (copyright 1912) is always a fun read with it's descriptions of the lady's costumes. Right now we are about halfway through The Street of the City(1942) with Duskin(1929) next on the list.
I have been re-reading old favorites; Here Comes the Sun, I Hear Adventure Calling and With This Ring by Emilie Loring; The Corner Shop and The Golden Collar by Elizabeth Cadell. Next on my list is White Orchids and The Strange Proposal by Grace Livingston Hill.
Of course my knitting needles are keep busy in the evenings! Little socks for the niece and nephew and now a sweater for myself. The Georgetown by Hannah Fettig, a comfy cozy cardigan in thick wool.
This is the view, around the frost, from my bedroom window this morning. It is lovely to see blue skies again!
So what has your January looked like?
January most years is a month of clearing and relaxation, sounds very similar to yours. This year however it has involved packing up as we move home.
ReplyDeleteOh that is a big job! But it is the best time to clean too! :)
DeleteMy favorite Christmas/winter story is from Grace Livingston Hill, "The Substitute Guest". Lots of snow, baking/cooking, family home life. A typical G. L. Hill book.
ReplyDeleteThe Substitute Guest is a favorite of ours too. So Christmasy. Unfortunately we discovered we didn't have a copy and had to wait until after Christmas to borrow a copy from sister. But it is still a lovely story, anytime of year!
DeleteMy Mom and I were just talking about GLH's books today! : ) Mom is ready "The White Flower"; one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Elizabeth Cadell. Are her books similar to GLH and Emilie Loring? I recently discovered Temple Bailey's books. I have only read two so far, but I enjoyed them. I am always looking for fun wholesome books to read. : )
I haven't read "White Flowers" in years! Somehow I need to find a copy, I would love to read it again.
DeleteI think you would like Elizabeth Cadell, she is an English author with a style quite her own. Her books are considered romance mysteries and she has a very wry sense of humor. I wouldn't say she is like GLH or Emilie Loring, not quite as vintage,(she wrote mostly in the 50s and 60s) But yes, they are wholesome books. I have probably not described her very well, so do try at lest one of her books and see if you like her. I would recommend "Out of the Rain", "The Shop Around the Corner", "Come be my Guest" or "The Round Dozen". They are some of my favorites!
I will have to look up Temple Bailey, have not heard of them. I am also always looking for good reads!