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Ever buy a couch – or sofa, depending on your upbringing – that looked to be the perfect size on a giant showroom floor, but that ate up most of your living room when you had it delivered? We did that.
Ever impulse buy a funky ornament during the season-end sales – say, a gigantic reindeer head – and then remember, too late, that your tree only comes up to your knee, which is to say about half the space covered by the new holiday doo-dad? I’ve done that.
Not to worry, I tell my husband. Adapting to something new can enrich your life (though I now advise a measuring tape for couches and ornaments.)
We’re adapting in our home right now to a new pup. Rachel is re-energizing our lives and tossing us challenges (as only a young dog can).
On the pages of the December/January issue, sampling something new, cherishing old practices and developing your own traditions emerged as themes.
Adventurer Chris Gibbs, an enthusiastic lover of winter, invites us to join him on wooded trails in pursuit of the perfect sled dog photos. His annual mission “Dogging the Beargrease” has become winter tradition for Chris, who believes sleeping in an SUV with a yellow lab and leaping into photographic action at midnight in sub-zero temperatures is a lovely way to spend a few nights and days. Some readers may remember the last adventure Chris revealed on these pages – along with an “au naturel” photo of snow dancing with his buddies, dressed solely in mukluks, aprés sauna. That’s the kind of guy he is.
I take you along on a different kind of expedition, one without the low temps and in an urban setting.
The annual holiday tour of Duluth’s historic bed-and-breakfast inns is a seasonal tradition for many local folks. Just because there’s hot cider, cookies and bars at each stop doesn’t make it less of an adventure, especially if you love exploring deliciously decorated homes with long histories. That’s the kind of gal I am.
Other stories you’ll find here will suggest new traditions. Juli Kellner’s chat with Julie Phillips, mixologist and wine steward for the Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin, offers up some splendid ideas for seasonal cocktails. Just the name of her “Santa Baby Cosmo” brightens my day. I can only imagine what an actual taste of it will bring. This certainly is a recipe I’m willing to try to make, despite my culinary deficiencies.
Speaking of trying new food things, you’ll find ample options for blending entertainment with dinner in the story “Dinner and a …”. These dining experiences include a classic movie, a knife-flipping chef, a play or a voyage on a boat or a train. The à la carte tidbits in our Restaurant & Lodging Guide will direct you to some great ideas for eating and lodging.
Finally, when you check out these new things – or gather with family for your old traditions – you’ll find photographer Amanda Hansmeyer’s advice on how to take memorable pictures for treasured keepsakes will get you excited about seeing the family all in the same room – yes, all of them.
Of course, all of the relatives for us now includes a lively German shepherd mix named Rachel. She’s helping to fill the hole in our hearts left by the loss of our dear Samantha. As a pup, Rachel has too much energy for sadness. I can’t wait until next season to see if she’ll make wading in Lake Superior her own spring tradition.
And she might just take care of my problem with the jumbo reindeer head. Given her intense enjoyment of chewing, Rachel may reduce that ornament by half once it’s on the tree.
I just hope that her redecorating appetite doesn’t turn to the oversized, but comfy, couch.
But not to worry, we are happily adapting and looking forward to our newest adventure. May you be similarly blessed this and all seasons.