Hey guys, quick question for yuh. How often would you recommend a private pilot to fly a month to stay sharp? I am going to be starting instrument training soon (probably within the next year). However, between now and that time, I have some shorter cross country trips I'd like to take for vacations this summer =).

How often would you recommend a private pilot fly a month to stay sharp?

I was thinking like once a week or once every two weeks doing an hour or two in the pattern. My main concern is that in the NE it's often windy and I want to make sure I keep my cross-wind/windy approach/landing skills sharp.