We are all back into our routines. It is as if I didn’t go anywhere. Gracie hogs the bed and Fern immobilizes my feet by lying across them. Maddie is in the guest room. The laundry is in process, and that is the last of my welcome home chores though we do have to make a dump run. I had a great time, but it is always good to home.

I never make resolutions for the new year. I used to, but I was just setting myself up for failure. I am at the stage of my life when I can do whatever I choose. Life is wonderful. I get to sleep as late as I want, go to bed in the wee hours, eat unhealthy foods, have dessert instead of dinner, get together with friends even on a week night, travel any time of the year, spend the day reading and embrace being a sloth. This last year has been all of those. I figure I’m darn lucky.

When I was a kid, I always tried to stay awake to greet the new year, but most times I fell asleep and the old year passed without me. When I was older, I went to parties where we all wore silly hats, blew horns and welcomed the new year with hugs and kisses and toasts to a better year. Now a few friends and I get together to play games, have great food and drink a bit. We do wear silly hats and blow horns. I’m thinking the new year isn’t official without them.

New Year’s Day never carried a whole of importance for me. When I was younger, it meant I had to go back to school the next day, but that was it. Even when I was older, it was just an excuse for a party. Every year was pretty much the same as the year before. That’s not true anymore. The givens are far fewer. Surprises pop up more often. Life is much more interesting when you don’t know what might happen. I’m looking forward to finding out!

Happy New Year!!!