Happy New Year

It's almost here ... New Year's Eve. We were out doing some errands early yesterday afternoon. Quite mild out around here these last few days. Still wintry, but with those pale blue skies and tepid sunshine. 'Twould be a perfect day for cross country skiing or tobogganing or a simple walk out in a woodsy park. Alas, I've done none of these recently (but it's a good idea) -- I like my cozy chair by the fireplace too much these days between Christmas and New Year's. Perhaps hot cocoa doesn't taste quite the same as when you're sipping it by a huge bonfire, wrapping frozen fingers around a hot mug, feeling the blissfulness of its warmth.

But I'm happy and content inside too. Watching my corner of the world from my study window. The northern flicker has been around a lot lately, and right now the cute downy woodpecker is pecking away at the peanut/sunflower suet ball. Chickadees, redpolls, and sparrows fill in at the other feeders.

And, I sit here at my computer looking up the rules for that old card game, Canasta. We've got some friends coming in for a little party in a while and we thought we'd all try our hand at this old game. It's been years since any of us have played. Checked out the Dummy's version for a quick review.

It's been years, too, since we've done much on New Year's Eve. The past four to five years found us long tucked in bed before the New Year's bells rang, as we usually had to work the wee morning hours of New Year's Day. Revelers weren't even tucked in bed yet while we were starting to get up for our too-early morning shift.

But, not having to thankfully do that anymore, we thought we'd be more playful this year on New Year's Eve. Not big partying but with a few good friends. A buffet full of food. And hopefully lots of good conversation, fun, and laughter too. Especially laughter. I'd like to ring in the new year with happy thoughts and feelings and let this house echo with joyful sounds of love and friendship.

Hope you're enjoying this last day of 2015. I see online that many folks are focusing on goals and dreams for the new year. I'm not in that space right now as I'm still in holiday mode. I'll probably think about that more once January is underway.

How about you? Got any thoughts for yourself as 2015 winds up and we stand on the cusp of the new year?

I was looking at my post from last New Year ... my thoughts are similar and so I'm taking the easy way out and saying "Ditto" and if you're wondering what those thoughts are, I do cordially invite you to slip over HERE and please accept my very best wishes for a beautiful New Year ahead. I'll be back in the swing after the holidays.

I'm off to anticipate my guests.

Sending you love and hugs,

Brenda

xox