With grey skies, interrupted by glorious sunrises and jaw dropping sunsets, it seems winter has finally arrived in Albany. While we’re still awaiting our first substantial snowfall of the season around town, it sure feels like it’s getting closer.
Personally, I can’t wait.
Winter has become a cherished part of the year for me in the last couple of decades. I love being outdoors inhaling an intoxicating blend of aromas, my favorite being a delightful mixture of fabric softener, wood smoke and weed.
When I’m not running 5 miles of sidewalk for cardio, I head to Capital Hills for the annual takeover of the golf course by dogs and their people. It’s canine heaven and I try to get Jeter there at least twice a week, even more often when there’s enough snow for cross country skiing.
In addition to getting exercise in running shoes and on skis, this is the winter that I’m going to try to ice skate at the Empire State Plaza, I swear. I’m adding that aspiration to my collection of physical challenges and goals which I’ve adopted for 2022. That makes two, in case you’re counting.
Do you have any ice skating tips to share with someone who hasn’t skated in a solid 30 years?
While most of my indoor time is spent either at home or at work, I do get out every now and then for a drink, dinner or to pick up takeout. I consciously try to spread my support around by frequenting a variety of small independent restaurants and almost always paying with cash.
Last week I enjoyed a delicious array of noshes at the bar at Restaurant Navona with a friend. Seating was comfortably spaced, staff was masked and our food was really tasty, especially the focaccia buratta plate. That bread! *chef kiss*
Friday night I publicly lived out a fantasy from just a couple of months ago. Let me explain.
I had attended a lovely party at the new Argus Hotel 6 or 8 weeks ago. It was a fundraiser for Historic Albany Foundation and there were tons of people mingling and enjoying, and bidding on, the displayed art. Despite the crowd of people that particular night, I could easily imagine sitting at the bar with some bourbon based drink in my hand, looking out on a quiet and snowy Washington Park.
On Friday night, it happened. Not exactly how I had imagined it (we sat on a comfy couch near the fire, rather than at the bar), but somehow even better. If you’re looking for a quiet, adult feeling spot, where you’re bound to run into someone you know, I highly recommend the Argus.
They even have parking.
Once I’m finally at home for the night, I truly appreciate being there. My house is cozy and comfortable. All my overhead lighting has dimmer switches, including the one over my jacuzzi bathtub, and I like to keep these warm, but not bright.
In the winter, the red oak floors are softened by area rugs and the drapes get changed to maximize light, rather than shade the house from the bright southeastern sun of summer. There are plants in just about every room and usually cut flowers, too.
During the cold months, I take a bath almost every night. It’s almost a ritual, to be honest. Dim lights, hot water and a Nalgene bottle at hand to hydrate, combine to make for an excellent bathing experience. Feeling particularly indulgent? Add some bubbles, in a glass or the water, and a sheet mask and soak it up.
Drowsy after my bath, it’s with great joy that I crawl between cotton sheets, one brushed flannel, one percale, under a down comforter topped with a quilt or throw. To me, bedding is the most simple luxury and I love having a variety of sheets to mix and match according to season and temperature. Indulge yourself – bed linens last a long time so splurge, if you can, on what you find most restful.
Despite the nights feeling long, winter will be over before you know it. I hope you get outside while you can – and that you have a place to sleep that you find as comfortable as I do my own.
