Before, during and after

It’s almost the end of January, a month that I usually hibernate and regenerate after a busy and enjoyable December. I rarely make plans because I don’t want to have to deal with snow storms, driving and winter boots. Other than walking when able, grocery runs when necessary, and my library book delivery schedule, which is once every three weeks, I tend to nurture the introvert in me. January is all about watching the weather, avoiding bad weather and recovering from any bad weather when it happens. It’s all about before, during and after.

Before the snow storm which started overnight on Sunday, I had two engagements on the weekend. I had actually made PLANS for Saturday and Sunday that required me to go out. So what do I do? I spend the entire week beforehand watching the weather with my fingers crossed that it wouldn’t snow on either day. And even before that I have been watching the dropping temperatures because one of my heat pumps is broken; has been broken since last August. Like everything else that happens in this house, getting it repaired has turned into an epic adventure. One that has resulted in a very cold kitchen, living room and dining room. 

But I digress. Back to the engagements, which luckily took place without snow or ice and turned out to be very nice and very easy. The first was Mad Madge, a play at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre that I attended with my friend Cathy.

Here is the scoop from their website:

Margaret Cavendish was a woman ahead of her time. A philosopher, poet, scientist, author, and playwright – she represented everything a woman should not be in the 17th century. This bawdy comedy is loosely based on history, but more than anything it’s a celebration of a wild woman who never settled for anything less than achieving her dreams. Paying homage to Jane Austen and Tina Fey in the same breath, this laugh out loud contemporary-period mashup suggests that perhaps a woman’s hunger for unbridled attention is not so shallow, after all.

Photos: Neptune Theatre 

What can I say, it was very funny and very well done. The only thing that was disappointing was that Madge still had to conform in the end. But then again, it was the 17th century.

The second event was Symphony Nova Scotia presenting the music of Journey, which I attended with my husband. It was nice, but I personally felt it was not as good as their presentation of the music of Chicago that we attended a couple of years ago. There is something about horns that make a big impression in any music for me. The music of Journey just doesn’t have any brass. I am not saying that it is bad music, I am just saying that the symphony is under utilized when playing it. 

Photo: Symphony NS

Both events were followed by dinner out. No cooking required. Two nights in a row! Both meals were yummy. We were home and asleep before the snow storm started.

During the storm, which lasted from overnight Sunday until Tuesday morning, I slept late because attending two events in a row is exhausting for this and any other introvert. I worked on a jigsaw puzzle of lovely illustrated puppies, a gift from my son, that is turning out to be an enjoyable challenge.

I cooked a nice meal, and we sat by the fire in the warmest room of the house while we watched TV. We were very happy that we didn’t lose power. It really wasn’t that bad of a storm in our part of Nova Scotia. We tend to get off a little easier than other parts of the province when it comes to snow. Plus, there were no high winds on this occasion. 

After the storm, my husband cleared the snow with our wonderful electric snow blower, which we purchased last year because we were tired of the gas one that required annual tune ups and was often temperamental. I felt I needed to have a reliable machine that I could use if necessary. All you have to do with the electric one is drop in the batteries and push the button. And it is so much quieter.

I had a second lazy day in a row where I slept late, worked on my puzzle and cooked dinner. I did, however, bundle up and go for a walk early this afternoon. Currently I am once again sitting by the fire, only this time I have my computer on my lap. 

Thank you for reading.

Photos: Jenn Stone unless otherwise stated.

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