I like New Year's. I like it that I get a chance to start over or or improve on something I'm already doing or to try new things. It just feels so great to shake off any baggage I might have from the last 365 days and to see a clean slate in front of me. It's like a long, slow inhale and exhale. . .a real clearing of the mind.
Some years are mighty fine...but this year was a booger, to put it bluntly. Of course, there were many, many bright spots, but mainly, it was a booger. With that said. . .I am OVERJOYED to start writing 2013 on my checks (if only I can remember to do that!)
We ended the old year by spending a quiet night with two other couples. . then returned home in PLENTY of time before midnight so I could watch a celebration on TV of partying folks bringing in the New Year. . .while I sipped a bit of bubbly! Hubby. . .well, he was tired from working that day, then going out last night, so sipping bubbly wasn't something he was interested in. But, to me, that's part of ending the year!
Part of starting the new year is putting on a pot of black-eyed peas. . . those little legumes are packed with good luck. :)
I did that while doing something else I've done as long as I can remember . . . watching the Rose Parade!
Putting that little TV in one side of the cabinet above our refrigerator was one of the best ideas I had when we built this house. A couple of folks didn't agree with me at the time, but I have to say, we watch it a lot! I probably watch it the most (really....I listen...and rarely just watch). We catch the news first thing in the morning and at supper time. I have it on most of the day when I'm here by myself. It's little, but it's perfect!
I don't have too many other New Year's Day traditions other than the peas and the parade and starting to make a few "goals" for the new year. One of those goals this year is trying to "pay it forward" more often. Like this neighbor of ours does!
I have no idea who picks up our newspaper and places it on our front porch. . .but frequently, I'll go out to fetch it off the driveway and there it is. . .on the porch!
This time, they left a little evidence behind. . .footprints in the snow!
Now, if I was any kind of sleuth, I'd get right out there and follow them, but that would take all of the fun out of it for me and for them, wouldn't it?
I hope you had a safe and happy New Year's Eve and that your 2013 will be a fantastic one!!
DANA
Love it Dana! I like that you didn't follow the footprints! Cute.
Posted by: Melanie | January 01, 2013 at 05:04 PM
I love a new year, too! It seems like a fresh start and promises of good things to come.
Posted by: Mary Kay Anderson | January 01, 2013 at 05:19 PM
Well, New years day is over but I see you posted so here I am staying up a bit late and glad I am here to read your New Years thoughts. I do hope the year 2013 will be a good one for you and America. The jury is still out on America.
New Years Eve I fell asleep on the couch with instructions for Bill to wake me up before midnight. I measured enough frozen berries to make pies for today and they had to defrost before I could fix them to bake. So Bill woke me up 40 minutes before midnight and I got those pies in the oven just in time to have a glass of champagne for the new year. We cheered life, us and mankind and I waited an hour for the pies to bake before going to bed. The excitement was today when I cooked for 13 of my darling family. I soaked the black eyed peas all night and I too cooked them for dinner. We need all the good luck we can get. HA! We took the usual sisters photo which I will share soon. Maybe...after I see how I look. HA!
I wish you a better year my dear friend. Expect a little package in the mail from France.
xoxoxo, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | January 01, 2013 at 10:19 PM
Dana I watch the Rose Parade also! I wish I had a kitchen TV! 2012 was a rough one for me also but I see much better things in store for 2013~
hugs, Linda
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | January 02, 2013 at 07:19 AM
We had black-eyed peas, too. I like your idea of cooking them in the crock pot.
I would say that your mystery person has a good heart - just like you.
Now, let's go 2013.♥
Posted by: Beverly | January 03, 2013 at 01:17 PM