Don’t get stuck inside during cold January

Hello and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a happy and healthy and joyous and relaxing holiday season. Time to reflect and recharge and decide what you are going to do in 2013. I don’t know about you, but I have been in total clean and purge mode for several days. I am planning car load trips to both donation facilities and SECCRA. The weather isn’t really cooperating for any kind of outdoors activity, so I’m making the most of the indoors time. That way, when good weather comes, I won’t have some chores nagging at me — they’ll already be done.

For Christmas, I found a great deal on a second hand iPad and got it. While I don’t want my kids glued to a screen all the time, I now see the appeal. IPads are actually pretty cool! I got it primarily for my child with special needs, but the whole family will use it. The No. 1 rule that my husband actually said without me saying it first — No Games! I’m happy to comply with that one and only use the educational and special needs apps.

If you follow my blog, a few weeks ago I posted that the Peterson bird guide app, usually $15, was being offered for free for two days. I’m hoping that offer comes around again soon.

Here’s some good news: The Pennsylvania Fish Commission recently released new policies for fishing licenses. Instead of just one year, you can now purchase up to five years at once. Yay! This is great news for families like mine, especially since we almost always purchase ours at the last minute. Go to GoneFishingPA for more information.

If you don’t like being stuck in the house in January and February, here are some events you may want to check out.

Winter Tree Identification at Bucktoe Creek Preserve, 432 Sharp Road, Avondale.

Sunday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon

Cost: $10 for non-members; $5 for members (type member when asked for a promotion code). Join TLC at Bucktoe Creek Preserve for a winter tree identification hike and learn ways to identify common Pennsylvania trees without the help of their leaves. Light refreshments will be provided. Dress appropriately for the cold weather.

Wildlife in Winter Series: Part 1 at Bucktoe Creek Preserve; 432 Sharp Road, Avondale, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Cost: $10 for non-members; $5 for members (type member when asked for a promotion code). During this three-part series, learn about what changes an animal must make to ensure survival during the winter months. Hibernation will be the topic for part one of our series.

I guess it’s a sure sign I have little kids, but when I read about that second event, all I can hear in my head is the “Cat in the Hat” song about hibernation!

Stay safe and warm everyone! If you want to contact me, e-mail me at lisalightner at yahoo.com.

Outdoor enthusiast Lisa LIghtner lives in Avondale.