Monday, January 02, 2017

20.........17

Happy New Year!!! 2017 has arrived!!! And in colonial style celebration, we have lit the basket and a bright flame welcomes the New Year!!! We got our little basket in Colonial Williamsburg years ago, but just now have found the perfect spot (and time to enjoy it). As I have in the past, today we are hosting a holiday open house. It just seems like such a nice way to welcome the new year with family and friends. 

The house is warm and cozy... lots of good food to share, and a nice way to bring the busy holiday season to it's close....
Last night, though, we traveled down to be with the grands and the family. It's hard to bring us all together now, with the families getting larger, so to spread out the time together is always fun. The evening was take out food, and games!!!! Lots of laughter and just the joy of being together. 
These two  little chaps stayed up way past bedtime, but did not make the "midnight" time frame... actually neither did I....

The open house this year did not have as many guests as usual. My Mom and Dad were not able to make it. Dad's health is fair and he now tires easily.. I think the Christmas fun took a lot of out him. I worry about this and miss them not coming, but as Dad wishes, we always continue on as we have. 




We didn't do any sleigh rides this year  ... but the day was good and those who came seemed to enjoy their time here. I loved visiting with everyone and seeing the house dressed up for today. 

Tomorrow, it will be time to pack things away for another year, and see what the year ahead brings to all of us. I so appreciate all the blessings in my life, and have come to learn (in my "older" years) that each day is such a gift and to enjoy all those we have around us. 2016 leaves bittersweet.... I still cry when I think of the losses of Hunter dog, Dear Camille, and our beautiful Duke .... but I still have so many wonderful things around me and know that I need to celebrate the here and now....

here's onto 2017......