Suddenly it’s the middle of Winter in Connecticut and even though we are not getting much snow this year I still find myself feeling just a little out of sorts…let’s see: it’s cold, it’s dark and it seems like there’s not a heck of a lot to do for fun…
The older I get, the colder I get…
Here’s the good news: Spring and Summer are just around the corner and all of the outdoor activities we are missing are too (smile).
So since we have a little ways to go ’till then, allow me, the eternal optimist, to focus on some of the things you, your family and your friends can enjoy in the meantime in between time:
Skiing
There is plenty of downhill skiing in Connecticut to enjoy and the resorts are merely a car ride away. Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, Mount Southington in the Plantsville section of Southington, Ski Sundown in New Hartford, Woodbury Ski Area in Woodbury and Powder Ridge Park in Middlefield.
I love sking at Mount Southington Ski
Ice Skating
I went ice skating a couple of years ago on my birthday and like riding a bike, it really does come back to you. Growing up Hollis we kids spent a lot of time on the ice as Winters seemed to be longer, colder and snowier back in the day (smile). The difference between ice skating then and ice skating now is now it takes me a few days to recover…
No recovery time needed when I was ice skating as a young girl (smile)
Reading in front of a warm fireplace
This one’s easy because it doesn’t take much effort and it offers plenty of warmth and relaxation. Not to mention down time…
Fireplaces were made for cold New England winters
Cooking and Eating Comfort foods
Anyone who really knows me knows if I had my way I would have my own personal chef cooking me healthy gourmet meals each and every day.
I’m nobody’s chef but I do enjoy cooking when the temps drop
Watching old movies
I love watching old B & W movies and binge-watching new series, especially when it’s too frigid cold to venture outdoors…
There’s not much better on a frigid cold winter day than a good movie or book, a good snack and a comfy chair
Going to the museum or a live theater
It’s wonderful to lose yourself in the experience of a museum exhibit or live theater performance – lucky for us the New Haven area is known for both…
Spa Day
Pampering yourself works for any season but it feels oh so lovely in the dead of Winter (smile).
My good, good work friend and fellow Connecticut blogger, Jamie Taylor (jamieeverafter dot com) inspired me to write this blog today when she recently posted about the things she was not willing to give up in the year 2019. I “liked” her Instagram post because this kind of thinking is the polar opposite of what you expect to hear from anyone in the early days of a New Year.
At any rate, it got me thinking about my own will not give up list for 2019 so here is that list (in no particular order):
Coffee
I cannot leave the house without my coffee – nothing fancy, just a dark roast, completely black with natural sugar does the trick – I tried leaving the house without coffee once and it wasn’t pretty – I seriously thought I was coming down with something (smile).
Edge Strong workouts
I cannot imagine doing what I do for a living without the benefits of a good workout each weekday morning. It is not only a stress reliever but it also keeps me physically fit: Check out my blog post: LJ: Stronger than before…
Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, Yelp, you name it – I’m on it and loving every minute of it. Check out my blog post: R U Social?
Pampering (hair/feet/nails)
It’s no secret that I have a weekly standing hair appointment at the salon every Saturday morning so getting my nails and/or feet done on a monthly basis is par for the course: Check out my blog post: Put your slippers on…
Wine
I make my living as a TV/Digital/Social Media Account Executive in a highly competitive, pressure-cooker work environment. I do this all on 100 percent commission so a nice glass (or two) of red wine is more than welcome on the weekends – Check out my blog post: 10 things I cannot live without today
Movies
As I’ve posted about before in TVFL, Growing up Hollis my mother Jean would take her 7 children to the movies on Saturdays armed with candy and snacks: Check out my blog post: MovieBuff To this day watching movies on TV, Mobile tablets or even at the theater is a regular pastime.
Salad (with protein)
I absolutely loooooove salad any time of the year – not just the Summertime and I pile my salad with some or all of the following ingredients: romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, fresh veggies, mixed nuts, cheddar cheese, hard boiled eggs, sesame seeds, chick peas, grilled chicken, homemade croutons and low fat dressing. The low fat dressing is a semi-joke considering what goes into building my salads. Check out my blog post: New Haven, CT Fall(ish) eats!
Golf
I finally learned how to play Golf last Summer at Lyman Orchards Golf Center in Golf Fore Women 101 and I must say I’m truly looking forward to the Summer again so I can hit the links with my newfound lady golf friends! Check out my blog post: Ready Fore Golf
Beauty Sleep
Over the years I have alternatively read or heard that a good night’s sleep is overrated and you really don’t need that much rest for your body to function at its best. I disagree. When I get at least 7 hours of sleep at night I tend to be more mentally alert and better able to handle multiple tasks at hand the following day. Check out my blog post: What it means to be a woman of a certain age…
So that’s my list for 2019, how does your list compare?
So glad I finally got off my duff last summer and signed up for golf lessons for women (smile).
Here’s what happened: I was leafing through the Hamden/North Haven Adult Ed catalog when I happened upon a course listing in the Enrichment Class section called Golf Fore Women 101. It felt serendipitous as I have been talking about taking golf lessons for what felt like ages so I promptly called to register for the Saturday morning 5-week session.
Then I called my girlfriend and broadcast industry colleague Ginger, who, like me, owned her own set of golf clubs but still did not know how to play. Ginger was grateful that I thought of her and I felt lucky to know her (smile).
Me and Ginger on Day 1 of our lessons and the women we met in Golf 101
The reason why I felt so lucky was because I actually bought my own starter set of golf clubs 11 years ago but for some reason or another, nothing ever seemed to come together for me in terms of taking golf lessons or being consistent about actually wanting to play. Here’s the rundown:
2007
I purchased my own set of “lady” golf clubs for $105 dollars (down to the shoes, hat, gloves, pink golf balls, etc.) and although I initially had good intentions, this set sat in my garage year after year collecting dust…
My starter set of lady golf clubs
2011/2012/2013/2014
Since by now I stillhad not learned how to play, I spent multiple years volunteering as a “Beverage Cart Driver” at our News 8 annual golf tournament where we invited our clients out for a day of golf.
2015
I finally took two private lessons (a gift from my bf) at Lyman Golf Center in Middlefield, CT with John Wilson, who came highly recommended from a former News 8 co-worker and female golfer.
At the annual Travelers Tournament in Cromwell, CT (one of my fav live golfing events and spectator sports)
At the annual Traveler Tournament in Cromwell, CT. Always a good time. Turns out my cousin Bear from Rhode Island was working there that week
2018
By now I was so desperate I even fake caddied for my boyfriend last Summer while he enjoyed ‘the game’ (smile).
And it was right after this fake caddy momentwhen I happened upon the Enrichment course listing in the Hamden/North Haven Adult Ed catalog…
Golf Fore Women 101
The Saturday morning Fall classes I registered for ran from September 15 – October 13 (10am -11am) and consisted of about ten women. Our first session was mostly in the classroom where we talked about ourselves and what brought us there and then learned about Golf from a theoretical perspective.
My Saturday morning classmates – I’m gonna miss these ladies
Let me tell you, there is a lot to learn here. Golf is truly a game of and for life… Throughout our introductory 5-week course Marissa Kulig Crow, our LPGA Coach and Club Professional, very patiently taught us the following:
Essentials – equipment selection and appropriate golf attire
Golf Clubs
Golf Course Layout
Golf Terms
Golf Scores
Forms of Golf Games
Golf Shots
Networking
Stretching and Yoga
Golf Etiquette 101
Lesson 1– The Driving Range
Here we are lined up and on our way to the driving range
Lesson 2 – The Full Swing
The full swing – one of my favorite golf swings
Lesson 3 – Chipping/Pitching/Sand
Chipping Pitching Sand Wedge was probably one of the most difficult lessons we took – here is me and Mary Ann – one of my favs
Lesson 4 – On the Putting Green
Today’s practice will be on the putting green – the short game – where a lot of golfers struggle
Lesson 5 – The Apple 9 Golf course
It felt so funny because today’s lesson #5 (final lesson of Golf Fore Women 101) was actually golfing on the Apple 9 Golf course. We played 3 holes during our last lesson. It was so fun! I am looking forward to next Summer and Fall so I can take Golf Fore Women 201 and 301 and work on perfecting my game!
Me and my girls – enjoying our last day of Golf Fore Women 101!
Have you ever heard the saying, It’s hotter than July? Well, that’s how most of us feel right now in Connecticut.
It’s Hot, Hot, Hot! And we no longer have the the luxury of complaining about the slow start to Summer because the 3 H’s – Hazy, Hot and Humid – have officially arrived!
Another thing: it’s About That Time Of The Year to think about where to vacate – so here’s the good news – you don’t have to hop on a train, a bus or a plane – you can simply gas up your ride and go! With these super high temps, your vacation destination can be found right here in Connecticut!
The following are some suggested “StayCations” for you and your family in some (but not all) of Connecticut’s counties:
New London County
Beat the heat at Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT. Ocean Beach Park has a spectacular beach, a boardwalk, activities, a pool, a Spray Park, a cafe and event space. Parking can get pricey especially on the weekends but if you pile up your car and stay all day, it will be worth your while.
New Haven County
Lighthouse Park in New Haven, CT is always an affordable option for good, clean, family fun. Nice beach area, picnic area, Spray Park, concessions, and that famous Carousel (smile). There are parking fees but they are pretty reasonable.
Middlesex County:
Go to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield , CT and Pick Your Own Fruit – great family fun. And visit the Corn Maze while you are there – it is always appropriately themed…And catch the hayrides, visit their bakery and try the kettle corn – you’ll be back for more!
Right after Golf Fore Women, me and my girlfriend Ginger made a day of it
Hartford County:
Why not catch a minor league baseball game at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, CT. The Hartford Yard Goats season runs from June through September and tickets start at just $10.00. Perfect for singles, couples and families.
Fairfield County:
Have the time of your life on a day trip to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT. It’s priced right and a great way to enjoy the day with the kiddos.
Lions and Tigers and Bears…oh my!
So remember it’s Summertime so there’s no need to go away on vacation. Your Summer Staycation Vacation starts right here in Sunny Connecticut!
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