Happy New Year's Eve!

It’s my tradition here on the blog to share a year-in-review post on December 31—a look back on our favorite moments and the things we learned and made and experienced during the year. 2022 was a year of highs and lows; busy seasons and slow seasons; music, baking, old-house projects, and a little painting.

Here's a look back on our year:

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

In January, we got cross-country skis and boots from a friend and enjoyed skiing on the mall at night and in the woods with Rory. And let’s not forget my Georgia Bulldogs winning the National Championship—Go Dawgs!

We made a batch of fresh ricotta (our first cheese-making experience!), which was delicious. We also made homemade focaccia, my family’s recipe for cucidati (fig cookies), and something we started referring to as “snow day” oatmeal (a 1.5x serving to get you through a morning of snow-blowing and shoveling).

In February, Steve had a work trip to Colorado and I stayed home working on taxes and making Red Velvet Cake Balls (Southern Living).

We spent February Break in Saratoga for a part-time work retreat and enjoyed a wonderful stay at the (dog-friendly) Adelphi Hotel. Saratoga is such a dog-friendly city! Rory enjoyed treats from the boxes on the lampposts and the pet boutique and got her first pup cup at one of the local coffee shops.

In March, we started some light demo in the kitchen (crown molding and drawer fronts). I made banana bread (Southern Living), biscotti (my Grandma’s recipe), and chocolate chip cookies and started working on “The 1922 Project”—researching and learning piano pieces written or published in 1922 to celebrate our Steinway piano’s 100th birthday (my article about this was published in the Winter 2022-2023 Issue of Piano Magazine).

In April, we demoed the kitchen floor and installed new hardwoods and Steve started rebuilding the cabinet doors. I published a new collection of handbell music for Pentecost. We bought a bunch of things to plant on Earth Day and I made banana pudding and homemade orecchiette.

In May, we planted the vegetable garden and some perennials from a neighbor. We also got our first lilac bloom from a bush we planted 5 years ago! I made biscuits with White Lily flour for the first time (if you know, you know) and a Buttermilk-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake (thank you, Southern Living) for Memorial Day weekend.

In June, I had 5 students participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival and we had our annual recital (online for some, in person for most). I also sold my first piece of original artwork and my first two art prints! Steve finished building the cabinet doors for the kitchen and I finished painting them. We visited Steve’s parents in NH and enjoyed kayaking, mini golf, a winery, and a nature walk.

In July, we visited Sodus Point for an evening picnic, attended outdoor concerts in the city, hosted one of Steve’s college friends for a weekend, and hosted our first Movie on the Mall for our neighborhood since 2019. I made King Arthur gingersnaps and blackberry ice cream and a delicious fruit tart.

In August, we returned to the Adirondacks for a few days to stay at a charming cottage/camp on Lake Desolation (it was actually beautiful and very quiet). We hosted another movie night and our first Social Hour on the Mall and had 40 people attend!

Steve and I co-wrote and published a new set of piano preludes inspired by some of our favorite places. I recorded all three preludes and the three pieces for my 1922 Project.

We took a quick weekend trip to Tanglewood for a John Williams tribute concert—singing happy birthday to him (he was there!) with 18,000 people was a highlight of our year and something we’ll remember forever.

In September, we caught up with lots of friends and neighbors over appetizers, drinks, and porch meals. We also took a trip to Friend Farm, our favorite farmstand in the Finger Lakes. I learned how to plaster a vent hood and Steve learned how to install ductwork.

In October, we attended Meliora Weekend at Eastman, celebrated our 11th anniversary, and hosted Steve’s parents for a long weekend including a trip to Letchworth State Park. Steve learned how to install a dishwasher!

At the last minute, we decided to dress up on Halloween for trick-or-treaters: we were a family circus! Rory was the cutest lion.

In November, we hosted our final Social Hour of the season with cider and donuts on a beautiful, 75-degree day. We celebrated both of our birthdays, got our COVID boosters, and cooked a full Thanksgiving dinner to share with our 88-year-old neighbor.

We also celebrated the second anniversary of Musician & Co.: launching two audio courses, writing 64 blog posts, publishing 7 digital resources, sending 24 Monthly Report emails, and interviewing 7 music entrepreneurs.

In December, we organized a caroling party (15 neighbors ages 1-81), hosted a few neighbors during the season, participated in a cookie swap on our street (I made my family’s recipe for Zimtsterne, “cinnamon stars”), and spent Christmas a day with our neighbors and good friends across the street.

My parents sent us a box of oranges and lemons, so I made orange marmalade, pasta al limone, and orange-almond biscotti. I also published another new collection of five handbell processionals. After Christmas, we drove to NH to see Steve’s family and ski.

I also finished reading my 37th book of the year! See my top eight books here.

As always, I’m grateful for what has been and hopeful for all that is to come. Cheers to 2023!

Previously:

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021