Tucking in for January
Author: Cyndi Crowder
Cyndi has lived in the Quinte region all her life. She co-authored the book “Growing up Quinte” with her father, Jack Evans, and believes firmly in the power of community.
Here we are, the beginning of a new year! Welcome to January a good month to tuck in.
Bellevillelites know what I mean. It is pretty quiet on the streets right now….
In the pre-Covid era, I wrote a blog called “Hurray for January, the Introvert Month!” Extroverts with parties and celebrations rule December as the introverts try their dutiful best to keep up with commotion. But January is the introvert’s month! Time to curl up with a blanket, book and a cup of tea to re-energize.
Now, with a once-in-a-century pandemic going on, nearly every month is for introverts. So what are we going to do in the cold month of January? Why not stock up with a few supplies from downtown?
Maybe try a new hobby, like painting! You can pick up everything you need at Barrett’s Office Pro: paints, paper, canvases, brushes. I’ve dabbled with painting without much success. While my mother’s work is admirable I never quite mastered the techniques. As young girls my two sisters and I used to go for lessons at some sweet little old lady’s house in Trenton. With Lawrence Welk on the TV in the background, we would work on artwork around a table set up in the living room. I tried very hard to paint a Robin! I’m no Jesus Estevez (Jesus Estevez Blog). I love how his paintings capture our humble little town.
How about spicing things up with a new recipe? Head to Obi’s Kitchen or Gourmet Diem to pick up condiments and sauces for that special zing.
The job is a lot easier with the right tools and Kate’s Kitchen has lots! The other day I stopped in and asked if she had Brandied cherries. She didn’t but suggested Obi’s. I said they were not carrying them either. So she Googled it, found a DIY recipe and printed it for me. That’s Downtown Belleville service for you!
Puzzles are another great way to spend a winter’s night. As long as you don’t have a cat, cause cats love to lay on, play with and destroy puzzles faster than you put it together. Or try a new board game with the family. You can pick up a puzzle or game at Scalliwag Toys, Dollar store or Stephen’s License!
Speaking of Stephen’s License, if you are really into detail and feeling industrious how about one of these babies?
It’s only 1339 parts, how bad can it be? If that doesn’t keep you occupied through January, I don’t know what will. Just keep the cat out of it.
For couch potatoes, drop into Chumleighs for an old movie or video game to enjoy.
Don’t forget the mothership stationed downtown, our Public Library! Books are the stuff of life in January, but they also have virtual options, programs, even genealogy! Check out the mothership’s website here: Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Gallery
We are back into a lockdown. Why not mask up, get the goods downtown and tuck in for January. See you in February!
