Ah winter. Cozy up to the woodstove, burrow under the quilts, stir up some stew, listen to the wind howl out there. Shovel, chop, clean, clear, slip, slide, salt and sand your way to the shed or barn and back again. Birds hunt dormant insects, berries or seed while the earth rests and renews. A new year beckons like a field of fresh snow – it's all up to you what tracks to leave behind.

Is this the year to pursue your dream to ride? (Don't let fear get in the way.) Have a yen to mill lumber from your woodlot or thinking of turning an idea into a business? How about shaping a kayak from shell to personal water transportation reality? Opportunities to achieve these goals and more are possible, and not too far from your own backyard.

But first, a chance to explore deep time, geological time, an era of grinding rivers of ice, plucked stones and glaciers on a Friends of Hammonasset (FOH) “first day” hike led by Dr. Don Rankin, Tuesday, Jan. 1, at noon. Meet outside Meigs Point Nature Center at 11:50 a.m. as Rankin illuminates the geology of a moraine trail and points out sites used by Native Americans in days long past. Be prepared for winter conditions as there may be ice or snow. No dogs, please.

If you miss this walk, there are other FOH events that include a work day to clear out invasive plants on Sunday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, and a seal search walk on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2 p.m. Bring binoculars; large ‘scopes will be provided for the latter. An interesting (and free) exhibit of the history of the park may be found inside the Meigs Point Nature Center when it is open.

All it took was meeting a greenbroke mare for a bareback ride through piney woods and open fields, and oh yes, I was hooked for life on the scent of horse sweat and leather, sweet feed and hay.

Warm up to equines with others who want to share their passion for these marvelous creatures with “The Arabian Horse” presented by UCONN graduate student Victoria Herbst and the Arabian Horse Association, Jan. 7. One of the many offerings at Middletown Regional Agricultural Science and Technology Center, where classes meet Monday or Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public, but registration is required. “Natural Horsemanship” with Geoff Goodson, part one, is Jan. 14. Groundwork essentials along with Goodson's stories of his life work with horses, including his methods that work to gentle “brumbies” in Australia and wild mustangs. Part two is Feb. 11.

“Introduction to Reiki” with Janette Hawkes, proprietor of Wolf Spirit Healing, who will explain principles and benefits for healing and wellness for horses, humans, pets – Jan. 28, when she'll also demonstrate techniques.

Now about “skinning” your own 14-foot kayak. An adult 30-hour build-a-kayak workshop is offered at the Eli Whitney Museum, but since there is very limited space available, call the museum as soon as possible to sign up at (203) 777-1833. Sessions meet on Thursdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting Jan. 3. Pre-cut frames, stringers, artificial sinews, Dacron skin and cockpit combing are supplied; fee is $1,250, which includes all materials. There will be hands-on guidance, plus discussions on finishing options and techniques. Interested? Take a look at this link or stop by to see Mike Dunn's shop on site in Hamden. The Eli Whitney museum is one of the gems of the state, a connecting point for interesting people making things.

“Heating Your Home with Wood Energy” on Jan. 15 is presented by Thomas Worthley, University of Connecticut forestry extension professor. Learn how to maximize home heating systems and heat output. Worthley also leads “Sawmill Operation and Lumber Production” on Jan. 29, which features a portable sawmill demonstration turning timber into lumber for business, hobby or personal use.

Agriculture Education Centers offer an invaluable resource; visit this link to the official site to learn more.

Curiosity should be encouraged and cultivated in young humans – a life outdoors and/or around livestock or companion animals can make all the difference in learning patience and non-verbal communication skills plus the importance of gentleness as he or she grows up.