Things to do when ‘there’s nothing to do’

Posted 8/21/12

The wintertime is when things slow down, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the feeling that “there’s nothing to do.” But winter brings its own set of activities. Some people enjoy this time …

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Things to do when ‘there’s nothing to do’

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The wintertime is when things slow down, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the feeling that “there’s nothing to do.” But winter brings its own set of activities. Some people enjoy this time to settle down, relax and stay at home. Others like to get out and do as much as possible, daring to brave the cold and snow. Here’s a guide for what to do, both indoors and outdoors.

If you want to stay inside

Watch Netflix

Or “Netflix and chill” as the kids say. Staying in and watching Netflix could be my day job, and I could win an award because I am so good at it. As such, I have some pretty good recommendations. My picks are for television series on Netflix and Hulu, divided into comedy and drama. I tried to pick options that are off the beaten path (everyone knows about “Orange is the New Black”).

Netflix

Comedy: “Maron,” in which comedian Marc Maron gives a fictionalized look into his life and popular podcast.

“Detectorists,” in which two friends bond over a love of metal detecting and hunt for the ultimate treasure. British comedy at its finest.

“Master of None,” in which Aziz Ansari plays an actor in NYC roughing it out in the game of love.

Drama: “Mad Men.” I know that’s a popular choice, but hey, it took me this long to start watching it and maybe you are like me.

“Narcos.” Follow the twists and turns of this real-life story about Colombia’s biggest drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Hulu

Comedy: “Difficult People.” Billy Eichner (host of “Billy on the Street”) and Julie Klausner play two best friends trying to hack it in the TV writing business, if only they could get over their laziness and bitterness.

“New Girl.” Quirky Zooey Deschanel lives with four male roommates; zany antics ensue.

“Parks and Recreation.” If you love Amy Poehler, funny people, and “The Office,” watch this show.

Drama: One word: “Fargo.” This anthology series is based on the movie of the same name. It stars Billy Bob Thornton as the ultimate bad guy, and takes place in Minnesota—so be prepared to start accidentally talking in a Midwest accent.

Cook something complicated

Winter is the perfect time to cook delicious and nourishing meals. Something about the cold makes you want to feed your body the right way, and let’s face it, eat more than usual. Warm soups and stews, or maybe a roast are good options. Searching for recipes? Look no further than our monthly food column, Relish Everyday, by Laura Silverman. And for ingredients? There are farmers’ markets still open in Honesdale and Callicoon.

Do a puzzle

It could be the New York Times crossword puzzle. Monday is the easiest, but try your hand at the challenging Sunday puzzle, which I’m happy to get one clue right. Putting together a puzzle is a great group/family activity for all ages. And even if you don’t want to leave your house, nothing is stopping you from inviting people over! Invite your friends over for game night; may I suggest Scattergories? And if you do want to leave your house, The Cooperage hosts a regular Game Night.

Hang out with your cat

Don’t have a cat? Get one.

If you want to go outside

Skiing/snowshoe

This one is pretty obvious—but you can get some help (and company) from the Catskill Nordic Ski Club. See last week’s River Reporter.

Eagle ogling

You can find your own spots to view eagles on venues along the Delaware, Mongaup and other local waterways, or you can join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, which holds a series of bus tours. The next one is this Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m., meeting at the Upper Delaware Visitor Center in Lackawaxen, PA. They’re also holding an Eagle Day on Saturday, January 23 at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center (delawarehighlands.org/newsevents/eventdates).

Get to the library

The many local libraries don’t slow down during the winter months. All have regularly occurring events such as computer support, knitting group, classes of various kinds and more, as well as one-time events. The Western Sullivan Public Library (www.wsplonline.org) has branches in Narrowsburg, Callicoon and Jeffersonville. The Wayne Library Alliance (www.waynelibraries.org) has multiple locations throughout Wayne, and there are two libraries in Pike (www.pcpl.org). The Hub in Port Jervis (www.portjervislibrary.org) and E.B. Crawford in Monticello (www.ebcrawfordlibrary.org) host a huge variety of events for all ages. For anything from learning how to make a terrarium to Lego contests for kids to celebrating National Popcorn Day, check out the libraries (and check out some books for when you want to stay at home, too).

OK, there are events after all

If you’ve flipped to some of our page references above, you already know that there really are things to do, even in winter. Did you know that our events calendar, Where and When, is also online 24/7? Visit www.riverreporter.com/where-when.

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