I spent the afternoon and evening doing little mundane jobs. Enjoyed a movie – Captain Fantastic. Had some dinner, fiddled with the scanner (why so blue, why?) and like everyone else waited for the magic midnight hour. The cats seem to be happy that I switched the blankets around – putting my new wool blanket (from wales! natural undyed dark sheep colors) and the down comforter on the bed. They took turns trying it out for awhile and then settled in together. I gave them each a toy from the catnip jar and a little pinch of the good stuff so they could party a bit before midnight.
At last the hour and moment came. True to our family tradition, I went down and at midnight I opened the front door to let the old year out and the new year in. No one was waiting there to be the first across my threshold so I took myself out into the night. That’s my own personal tradition, to go out and see what the first night holds.
Tonight it was filled with the sound of wind – mostly in the high pines across the road. Road noises brought first some lights swinging through the brush and then a car. A minute or so later the sound of distant fireworks began. The sky was all clouded over and it was cold. As it should be on January first.
Back upstairs the cats were resting from their party and I have clambered into bed, enjoying the moment of a freshly made bed, nice and warm from the heated pad. The fireworks are still all around and people will soon be heading home to their own warm houses and beds.
Safe travels in the year ahead everyone – take time to look around, do the work, paint, write, photo, sing, whatever makes your heart happy. Share it. Love people, do good. Laugh. Be strong and brave.
Love to you as you start a fresh new year. Thanks for carrying on a great tradition. I could see Dad doing just that thing. Enjoy all the wonderful things you spoke of. Love Mom.