The two most dreary months of the year!

I find January to be most dismal month of the year. The weather's awful, Christmas is over and everyone seems down. I usually just think that at least the days are getting longer and spring is 2 months away.

Pippa22

why why why do you have a pattern for a cowl as I’ve been looking for one. They are such a good idea aren’t they ? Well done on your fundraising.

Millie 22 I read your post too quickly I think and read that you were “ knitting testicles next “. I had begun thinking how when I read again and saw that you were knitting tentacles. Easier I think !!

I don’t follow a pattern. I’m using some fluffy chunky wool from my stash. Knitted using 8mm circular knitting needles. 40cm long. I cast on 72sts and knit in rib (k1,p1) until I get the length that I want. Just the ends to sew in. Hope this helps.

I have a January birthday as does my sister so there are 2 birthday cakes to look forward to and share with family (weather permitting).

My 2 hobby groups are back to meeting after the festive break, as is the garden I volunteer in, so I'm glad the holiday breaks are over and 'normal service' is resumed.

The grey days weather wise just mean I can get on with more sewing/crocheting and listen to the radio or catch up on tv I've recorded.

Also, I was given a present of an air fryer for Christmas so my New Year resolution is to try and use it every day . I look forward to the day I don't have to consult the instruction book every time I use it.

Allsorts I just read your post about accepting your estrangement from your daughter. I just wondered if you could give me any advice , I am newly estranged from my daughter who is an only child.

NonGrannyMoll

The most difficult thing to deal with is the lack of good light. I can't even sit and paint, as our workroom has a north-facing window with the dullest grey light imaginable in Jan-Feb. Just go to put up with it (or move to Australia for the winter).

I think you might be able to get special light bulbs.. ask in an electrical shop

I was given some stick on light things to put under shelves in cupboards.
They are cheap. And make a big difference to seeing things in certain cupboards.

DH and I have our January birthdays in the same week, and options are always restricted - theatres still showing pantos or having breaks, restaurants quiet or having breaks, family and friends doing dry January or economising after Christmas, restricted destinations from the local airport, anything planned liable to be affected by bad weather or whatever winter viruses are doing the rounds. Still, we’re both still here so we’ll still be celebrating!

The most difficult thing to deal with is the lack of good light. I can't even sit and paint, as our workroom has a north-facing window with the dullest grey light imaginable in Jan-Feb. Just go to put up with it (or move to Australia for the winter).

I'm glad to get the Festive season over and quite like January and February Burns Night the Celtic Connections Music Festival on January and my anniversary and birthday week in Feb when I usually have a holiday I also like coorie with a book and light candles which there's plenty of opportunity for All my clubs etc are in full swing too

Musicgirl

I don’t like January, but I think the bleakest month of the year for me is November as the clocks have just gone back and the daylight hours are getting shorter by the day. It is usually damp, dreary weather with endless grey skies, too. December has my birthday as well as Christmas, so it is much better. I think January is very much an anticlimax after the festivities and, as a self-employed person, I need to make sure my tax return is in by the end of the month. This should be quick this year, though, because I am now semi-retired and will not have to pay any tax. One bright spot is that the days are gradually becoming longer again. I like reading and listening to music at this time of year, too. There is something about drawing the curtains and a cosy house that is very endearing. I don’t mind February at all because it is a short month and the days are noticeably longer and once March is here, Spring is well and truly on its way. One thing I do is to treat myself to weekly bunches of daffodils as soon as they come into the shops, which won’t be long now. They are cheap and extremely cheerful and I think they are a sign of better things to come.

That will be my New Year resolution, to have fresh daffodils in my vases throughout the winter & spring. Thank you for inspiring me.

Allira

The winter jasmine is flowering.

When I bought it, many years ago, I had no idea it was winter jasmine and thought it would be beautiful sweet-smelling white jasmine and was disappointed.

However, now it's appreciated because it's a lovely splash of colour every January.

I have a winter jasmine but very rarely get tiny white flowers on it. I prune it right down every year as it grows up thick and beautiful at the top but leaves the bottom 2-3 feet without any leaves at all. Why is this do you think? What colour is yours, do you have a photo you wish to share please?

Not keen on January or early February, depressingly short days and cold. However, today the snow has been washed away, decorations gone, down stairs cleaned and vacuumed. Felt better about things, the only bit of December I like is run up week to Christmas. I feel better in myself facing this year than any of last 12 years as I have now finally accepted estrangement from daughter and can live with it. Its like a fresh start.

I really love these months especially when we have storms and I'm cosy inside/ or the dramatic sea storms near where I live.. and of course watching the beginnings of new life..
as long as I have reasonable health I like all seasons

We have six family birthdays in January so the celebration goes on.

I don’t like January, but I think the bleakest month of the year for me is November as the clocks have just gone back and the daylight hours are getting shorter by the day. It is usually damp, dreary weather with endless grey skies, too. December has my birthday as well as Christmas, so it is much better. I think January is very much an anticlimax after the festivities and, as a self-employed person, I need to make sure my tax return is in by the end of the month. This should be quick this year, though, because I am now semi-retired and will not have to pay any tax. One bright spot is that the days are gradually becoming longer again. I like reading and listening to music at this time of year, too. There is something about drawing the curtains and a cosy house that is very endearing. I don’t mind February at all because it is a short month and the days are noticeably longer and once March is here, Spring is well and truly on its way. One thing I do is to treat myself to weekly bunches of daffodils as soon as they come into the shops, which won’t be long now. They are cheap and extremely cheerful and I think they are a sign of better things to come.

why why why do you have a pattern for a cowl as I’ve been looking for one. They are such a good idea aren’t they ? Well done on your fundraising.

Millie 22 I read your post too quickly I think and read that you were “ knitting testicles next “. I had begun thinking how when I read again and saw that you were knitting tentacles. Easier I think !!

I like the time after Christmas. Not chaotic, just calm and cosy by the fire. The dog walks are a bit quicker - but we bundle up. Also the months to ski!

RosiesMaw2

I don't want Christmas all over again but agree about the two dreariest months.
Add into that Car tax and MOT, insurance, house insurance, all due,inevitably higher energy bills,full freezer (at vast expense) but nothing to eat, half a stone (at least) up...need I go on?
Oh and my computer died and will need to be replaced and I've got the final payment to make (the big one) on my car.

And here was I forgetting the house insurance, although I have just made out the household budget, which did include all my insurances for this year!

Have you considerd a reconditioned computer ? I did, last time mine died and have been completely satisfied with it and only paid a third of what a new one would have cost.

We do in January.

Just be grateful you are still on this earth. It's not the months that are dreary it is what you make of them that counts.

I love the colder months as we don't have to listen to the neighbours inane conversations in their garden or their conservatory when they have the door open. They both love the sound of their own voices and loudly drone on and on! I have to close my back door in the summer to get any peace! So in the winter I can spend time in my garden, even though it is freezing and listen to the birds and not the neighbours! I know, I'm a grumpy old git. :-)

JamesandJon33

*Babs03*. Ours is divided by ten .Therfore two months no payment. Although of course you pay more each month £319.00

Ah…thanks for the explanation.

M0nica

I love them, the cold outside the warmth in. Log fires and heaps of books, going for walks and coming home with cold hands and feet and a rosy red face.

I am starting to feel the same. Add in watching tv in the afternoons without feeling guilty.

Walks, books, netflix, and online scrabble, oh and also a little thing called Gransnet.
Sorted.

Just glad to have made it this far after various health problems. Like other posters I enjoy a brisk ( ish) walk with my dogs then coming home to curl up with my book or TV. I can work better when it's cold rather than in warmer weather so not depressing at all for me.