happy new year

As I settle in my chair to write,I am comforted by the sound of my husband and child happily chatting as they prepare dinner. My little family all tucked in protected by a fresh fall of snow. Happy new year to us.What beautiful reasons to be grateful. This past holiday season flew by in a blur of overindulgence. Business was booming so this broad worked continuously, well except for my last minute getaway to the sunshine state to visit a favorite friend. Three days of glorious sunshine had me feeling like the cat that ate the canary! Lounging in a beach chair, skin midwest white waiting to be kissed by a little southern sun, was positively dreamy. Another favorite moment was drinks on the dock of Alice's canal. Mullet jumping and birds in the mangroves were our only entertainment. Aah, Florida, to smell it is to know it. Nothing can compare to that smell of warm salt air and sun. Leaving was bittersweet for I was anxious to get back to Christmas land yet hated to leave my friend. Cold weather and endless Christmas preparations awaited my return. Who am I kidding, I love that stuff! Sneaking away to Florida just made Christmas even better. I was relaxed and ready to tackle the next two weeks. Working and cooking and eating and shopping and drinking consumed those 14 days. Presents were unwrapped in a flash of shiny paper. Meals and countless cookies were consumed with vigor. Christmas day had us in couch comas until it was time to start up again at dinner. More family, more presents, you know, the usual. So now it is over. Tomorrow starts the diet, the decoration deconstruction, smaller deposits at the bank, yes, reality. As we know I'm not much for that, but this year bring it on. I'm ready to charge forward and take this year by the..well, you know. I am determined to stare down all the coming changes and challenges rather than cower and complain. I know as long as I have my little family waiting for me, anything is possible. Happy New Year world.