One of our overflowing rivers. There’s been so much rain that they’re very high. I took this picture on the way to the library for one of our walks.
I almost didn’t post today, but I hadn’t discussed that possibility with you, so here I am.
Happy New Year!
Yet another gray day around here – we were excited to see little bits of snow on the cars and the shed roof. Sad, but true. Just a smidgen brings excitement because we’ve had NO SNOW. I know: “careful what you wish for!” But it would be nice, especially since the tree and the sparkly lights and ornaments are still going strong. Our beautiful tree is starting to dry out a bit, but there’s still no needle drop, so here it will stay.
We were in bed by 10:30 last night, after watching Dial M for Murder.
Today, I removed the 2023 calendar pages from my planner and replace them with 2024. Very satisfying! A fresh start.
We’ve been walking almost every day, and thought neither of us wanted to go yesterday, we did it. I suppose we’ll do it today, as well.
Today I start the Hilary Mantel Cromwell Trilogy with page one of Wolf Hall. I’m back to reading more than one book at the same time, as I’m also knee deep into Michael Connelly’s newest, Resurrection Walk.
A low key day ahead for us.
I hope you had a lovely New Year’s Eve! Best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy, peaceful, and joyous year ahead.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
That’s a lot of water….both coasts…unbelievable. We had a little snow on Thursday, but it melted by Friday. And a little freezing rain and snow on Sunday that has managed to stick around so far.
We had a quiet evening as well…except for all the cheering during the Packer game…lol! And today, the Badgers are playing in a bowl game so more cheering is to be expected. We are a football family, what can I say.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year….Peace, Joy and Blessings in ‘24!! ;)
Glad you enjoyed your day, Donnamae!
Stay safe.
happy, healthy, peaceful new year to you, don and everyone else! may needs be met, dreams be realized and prayers be answered.
sounds like you had a nice new year’s … good! i was up until midnight, but not by choice. slow start here today that is on purpose. will soon have some black-eyed peas, not because of the southern lore about them bringing good luck (my faith is in God), but as a favorite food (eaten most weeks) with happy memories attached.
another lovely photo, claudia. i especially love that ribbon of bright blue peeking out low in the sky and the reflection of trees in the water. no pressure intended, but maybe someday you’ll publish a book of your photos or sell them individually …!?! :)
best i go feed the birds and earl (there’s a lot of them on the deck).
again, happy new year to you all.
xo,
kathy
Yes Kathy I too place my faith in God
The world will always disappoint
i am glad for you, linda (putting your faith in God)!
and yes, the world can be disappointing … so i try to focus on the good/safe parts of the world and especially on God.
happy new year to you and your loves.
hope all’s well for you all.
kathy
We eat them because of ‘southern lore’ – my husband’s parents were born in Texas and Oklahoma and it was a lovely part of his often tumultuous and painful youth. In my opinion, following a beloved tradition doesn’t negate one’s faith. If it does, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with.
Thanks, Kathy,
Stay safe.
i am sad for don and his family experiencing troubles in his childhood. i am glad that don and you enjoy the tradition of black-eyed peas and that you have each other.
sorry if it sounded like i was criticizing that southern lore/engaging in that tradition and especially if i caused hurt; that was not my intention! i eat black-eyed peas quite often, not solely on new year’s day (my family and i lived in mississippi when i was a young child and i ate/eat black-eyed peas quite often) and some people may not know about that southern tradition. i was trying to say (but didn’t do so clearly) that i don’t believe in it, yet like that tradition. like my faith in God, i find traditions to be very comforting. again, apologies for any upset.
do you include collard greens or other greens with the peas? we didn’t/don’t. i like them best as my mother made them … cooked down on the stove for an hour or so until they get quite soft, served on darkly-toasted (usually wheat) bread and topped with some ground pepper.
hope you and don are having a great start to your day.
kathy
No, we just have the peas.
Don’s childhood was pretty horrifying at times. I hate that he had to go through that. He sometimes wonders why no adult family friend ever asked him how he was.
xo
i wish someone had reached out to help don back then and am sad for him that it didn’t happen when he needed it, that he had those troubles.
shows how strong don is, how kind his heart is for him to have made it through and to have accomplished and keep on accomplishing so many wonderful, good things in his life. yay, don!
xo,
kathy
xoxo
Happy new year!
Same to you, Betsy.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year, Claudia and Don. Hope you’re having a relaxing day full of being contented.
We see half my family today at Mom’s house for our traditional NY Day dinner. The other half is in another city, cooking and packaging the dinner. One of us will go pick the package up. We used to get together as a huge group of 30-40 family members, extended family and friends, but as the guest list grew and lockdown occurred, this has been the solution.
Sounds like a good solution, though I’m sure you were fond of the way it was in the past.
Stay safe, Wendy,
Loved your river picture. It’s quite dramatic. Our day has been pretty low key here, too. We did get a skiff of snow, not enough to shovel. Happy New Year everyone. Hugs, Elaine
Happy New Year, Elaine,
Stay safe.
Happy New Year Claudia and Don!
Wishing you a year filled with grace, beauty, good health and fulfilling projects/work.
Thank you so much, Denise.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year! I love water, and your river shot is very nice, peaceful. Enjoy your reading!
Thank you, Barrie!
Stay safe.
Glad you’re still able to enjoy your tree. Now that we’re back to more seasonal temps, we had a bit of snow flying last night but not enough to stick around. Was just reading about a huge storm set to cross the country this coming week that could leave a lot of snow in its wake. We’ll see.
Spending the day taking down part of Christmas – the first to go back in the storage tubs are any Santas. Then I want to begin reading Barbra Streisand’s memoir which I got for Christmas. Me and the cat curled up on the couch.
Hoping you also have a peaceful beginning to the new year.
Take care,
Kay
Yes, they’re predicting a lot of snow for us. We’ll see if it holds true.
Thank you, Kay.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year to you two. I would have missed your post today if you had stuck to your schedule. You give me a lift when I read you. thank you
Oh, thank you for those kind words, Jan.
Stay safe.
Thank you, Claudia, for having mentioned the beginning of the Wolf Hall read-along. I have subscribed and look forward to the discussions.
Oh good! I just started reading it last night.
Enjoy.
Stay safe.
I entered the New Year with great hope. Spent time reflecting on the year and looking forward to 2024. New Years Day was glorious with a family dinner before the girls headed back to Canada. I took a moment to just sit and watch the love and conversations flowing around me. I am truly blessed. Happy New Year my friend!
These words make me very happy, Linda. Much love and best wishes for a happy, healing, peaceful new year.
Stay safe.
I had the stark realization today that “Barbra” isn’t a good “car book” — meaning, the book you take in the car with you when you have doc appointments or are anticipating waiting in a long line somewhere and you want something to read! So, I may have to pick something to accompany her (no pun intended). I’m not that thrilled with short stories but I do have a collection someone gave me for Christmas a year or so ago that I haven’t started, so that may be it. You don’t need to worry about keeping the plot straight or the story linear!
We saw “Maestro” yesterday in the theatre. It was a good theatre experience with the sound and a fascinating movie. And “The Boys in the Boat” the day before, which we both enjoyed as well. Now I have to watch those I’ve recorded at home! I nabbed the TCM Marx Brothers marathon just to have for down days (and several others!) Dial M. is wonderful!
Happy New Year to you both!
I started it about a month ago and haven’t got back to it yet! I will, but it seems I was too busy to concentrate on an autobiography.
I loved Maestro. I think Bradley Cooper is very brave. Having studied Bernstein since I was about 13, I think he really nailed it. Carey Mulligan was also excellent.
Stay safe.