Happy New Year - Welcome 2011!

Photo credit: Mike Gifford

As 2010 prepares to slip away, what can we say to celebrate its passing?  Was it a stellar year filled with exotic getaways, and a new adventure around every corner?  No, it was a year with the normal ups and downs, some good times and some not so good times.  It was a year filled with friendship, love, laughter, and shared moments of both joy and sorrow.  Here's a little bit about what went on in my world in 2010.

Early this year, we were touched with sadness by the loss of several friends due to illness.  My best friend and her husband lost his father to a long battle with ALS, and another friend and fellow wine society member, passed away unexpectedly. 

My cat, Rosie, has experienced several bouts of diabetes this year.  The "fix" that controls it for him is Fancy Feast canned cat food.  No insulin shots is a good thing.  I'm thinking I should buy stock in Fancy Feast.

In spite of the busy year, we had a wonderfully relaxing vacation in Florida, our favorite vacation spot.  Great weather, great food and just chilling out together - could it get any better?

This winter, we had the most amazing gift of a white Christmas.  Yes, a white Christmas in the South.  It was truly beautiful.

I also celebrated my first anniversary in the blogosphere by sharing some of the things I'd learned over the year.  This has been a very positive and eye-opening experience for me.  I've met some really great people through blogging, and I would like to thank everyone who comes by my little hole in the wall to read what I have to say.  Every visit and every comment means a lot, and helps keep me motivated to continue along my journey.

As we move forward into the New Year, I wish each of you a great year, and many blessings for 2011.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Lightly Falling Snow

White Christmas 2010

Lightly falling snow

Dusts the ground like

Powdered sugar doughnuts

Leaving sweet traces

On little faces

Wrapped up in pretty colors

Bright blue mittens

And shiny red boots

Children's happy cries

And their mother's sighs

Remembering the days long ago

Of lightly falling snow

This was our White Christmas.  It began snowing at 11:15 Christmas morning.  We had 6 inches on the ground the morning after Christmas.  What a beautiful Christmas present.

Written for One Shot Wednesday

Quote of the Week

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.

- Anatole France

When you dream, dream big!

Our goals, or that which we wish to accomplish in our lives, begin as a dream that we plan for and work at, and most of all believe in our ability to reach.  Never stop believing in yourself.

Quote of the Week

I heard the bells on Christmas Day.
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat.
Of peace on earth goodwill to men.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! 

I will be taking a short blogging break over Christmas, and will return next week.

A Winter's Day

Snow covered pines bend low
Softly whispering their secrets
The icy carpet beneath
Bears the tracks of birds and squirrels
Scurrying frantically hither and yon
Seeking sustenance and shelter
Against the bitter cold
Hunkering down until the sun
Shall warm away winter's evidence
And return to them nature's bounty
That they may feast once more

Written for Friday Flash 55