As I sit here on New Years Eve, enjoying a wee dram (or two) of single malt whiskey and writing this blog post, I think how differently I now spend the final hours of the year. Between the fullness of life and an overly packed schedule, it is a joy to spend a quieter evening at home, catching up, relaxing, and oh yes, watching college football. Whereas I used to stay up until midnight, I am now content to meet with friends on New Years Day.
The past three years have found me recovering from a motorcycle wreck, running for state delegate, starting a new business, and just two months ago, starting another. Even my time on WP the past few months has been limited. No wonder I’m content to be still.
Many people will ponder 2016, and put into beautiful words what the year has meant. Others will plan for the coming year and all that they hope to accomplish. Me? I’m about a week behind and am still glowing after a wonderful 48 hour trip to Atlanta to see my son and his family.
We enjoyed an incredible tapas style Christmas Eve meal at the Iberian Pig. Oh my goodness, the food and drinks were incredible! This was our effort to take a selfie afterwards.
I awoke the next morning to this lovely site. What is it about a lighted tree that brings such a sense of peace?
We spent the day opening gifts, enjoying our traditional breakfast souffle and Bloody Marys, and playing games. My granddogs, Wilson and Tela, were never far from the action, or the food.
Oh my gosh, I love these dogs!
The cheese plate was almost to pretty to eat.
Another family tradition is the Cracker, and I was glad to have it continue in Atlanta.
What a joyful visit!
On a personal level this coming year, I’d like to think that I will make an effort to volunteer a little less (doubtful) and exercise a little more (probable). I also hope to spend more time with family and friends, and of course with my camera, and riding the bike.
What I definitely know is that I will do all that I can to join the resistance against bigotry, misogyny, racism, and hatred.
Despite the fact that national and international politics have me entering 2017 with caution, I do know that there is much good in this world and I believe that goodness WILL prevail.
Welcome to 2017! Thank you for the light you bring to my life, and for your friendships.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Happy new year, LB! I hope it’s full of good things.
I hope the same for you, Lisa. Today is my 4th of 4 days off, and I’ve enjoyed alot of productivity and catch up, and also alot of activities that bring comfort. Not a bad way to start the year!
I too believe goodness will prevail. I’m toasting you with my little Brandy and Amaretto splash. What a beautiful tree, family and gathering. Sweet puppies too. Happy New Year, Laurie.
Toasting right back at you, Marlene. Clink, Clink! Heading over to see what you’ve been up to 🙂 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you. I share in the same decision to work hard at making the world a better place. It’s gonna need it, especially starting January 21.
Hello! So good to hear from you 🙂
Yes, we will need to work hard to combat the negativity, and I will begin by marching the Women’s March in DC!
I will be there too. Am driving in with 5 other women.
Good to know that you will be there, too! Normally I’d say “see you there” but I suspect (and hope) that there will be so many people marching that that will be impossible. 🙂
loved this! Thank you for such a joyful post…
Maureen, thank you so much. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Laurie! I’m doing the same thing…. Laying low and loving it.
Mae!! I swear I was just thinking of you the other day!
Off to your place to see what you’ve been up to 🙂
Happy New Year Laurie, I hope you have a lovely year this year. I loved the things you want to fight against, they are the things I want to do as well, though been attempting to for a while.
Your Christmas looked lovely. Take care.
Happy New Year, Leanne! Good to hear from you, and yes, I will continue to fight, although it took me several weeks after the election to find my spirit.
I’ll be in DC for the Women’s March on Washington.
Hope the holidays were good to you and that the new year will be as well. I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful photography!
Happy New Year, Laurie. It is great how age brings sense to the idea of staying up too late 🙂
You might have given this guy one too many…
You’ve made me smile! Happy New Year to you, GP!
Always thrilled to give someone a smile, LB!!!!
It looks like you had a perfect Christmas! And I know VaTech’s win was the icing on the cake–what a game!! Here’s to an exciting, yet peaceful, 2017!
Thank you, Kerry. As I type this reply, I am watching the pregame for the Rose Bowl. Pregame is such a fun time for any game. Excitement, anticipation, and plans for the win! I know you’ll be watching anxiously! Go State!
I’m here, watching and trying not to drink all the wine!! Excited and nervous!
I’ll be drinking along with you! Have I told you that my father is Penn State alum (I probably have). I know he is excitedly watching from Williamsburg , VA.
Ha!! We Penn Staters are everywhere! Go State!
Happy New Year Laurie 🙂 All of your New Years resolutions are good but spending time with family the fight against hatred are on the top of the list. I love those dogs are they Labradoodles ?
They are Labradoodles! What fun, sweet dogs. I never thought I’d be a fan (because I’ve not been much of a poodle fan) but wow they are great.
Happy New Year to you! New Year’s Eve is not quite as exciting as we get older and are content to stay home and reflect, rather than attend elaborate parties. I hope 2017 brings nothing but good things to you.
Hey Karen! I left a message earlier about the metro pass. Hope you are continuing to feel better with each day!
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing your visit with Andrew. Give him a hug for me. Best wishes for a wonderful 2017. May all your dreams come true!
Happy New Year, Angie! I just took a quick peek at your FB page and see that you’ve had some fun times with friends and family over the holidays.
I’ll be coming through Richmond in February. Maybe we can have a quick cup of coffee.
There are few things I would rather do than spend time with family, especially over the holidays. Looks like you had a wonderful time with your son & your granddogs❤️ Wishing you many wonderful adventures in 2017 LB!
Thank you, Lynn, and I’ll look forward to continuing our WP friendship in the coming year.
Happy New Year!
Those photos are a wonderful montage of your Christmas Laurie – I quite admire your Bloody Mary tradition – ours was a bottle of good Brut and croissants until we gave up wheat. Had Siddy been attending this particular gathering he would be lined up alongside your grand-dogs, albeit a little lower, salivating happily at the thought of c-h-e-e-s-e 🙂 Those fellows are gorgeous! Much love xoxo
Aren’t the dogs wonderful? I’ve been fairly content to not bring animals back in my home since my 2 cats and 2 dogs all passed on, but spending time with these two got me closer to doing it.
AFTER the New Zealand trip, though 🙂
I’ll be sending a group message soon about Skype and starting to narrow in on a date to travel!
Live with Siddy for a couple of days and you will be HOOKED!! Excited 🙂 ❤ 🙂
Happy New Year, Laurie. I genuinely believe that as long as there are daring, caring people like you in the world, it is a kinder place. Best wishes for a year of great adventures, family time, and always lots of laughter 🙂
I wish those same things for you, Joanne, and thank you for your kind comment.
Happy New Year!
Loved your post Laurie – the photos are wonderful and convey a sense of peace and contentment. We had to miss family christmas this year since my husband was ill but he’s on the mend and there will be many more Christmas’s to come. It was nice to be able to share yours 🙂 Have a great 2017!
Tina, I am so relieved to hear that there will be many more holidays to share with your husband. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and content 2017.
Happy New Year! Your Christmas pictures are wonderful.
Thank you, Sheryl. Hope 2017 brings you much health and happiness!
I love this warm, inviting post. I’m so happy you could get away to spend time with Andrew and family. Like you, we had both a quiet Christmas and quiet new year (unless you count the illegal mortars going off in the neighborhood). I enjoyed the peace and tranquility.
Andrew’s home is gorgeous and those dogs! Oh my goodness that photo made me smile.
Happy New Year!
Hi Alys! I just fell in love with Wilson and Tela. So sweet! I loved being with Andrew and Jon. I originally had a photo of the two of them in this post, but worried that my parents my decide to visit the blog. They don’t do so often, but I really didn’t want to “out” Andrew on WordPress!
Glad you enjoyed a peaceful holiday. I think we all needed the tranquility in order to prepare for the challenges ahead of us.
XOXO
I could see you were choosing your words carefully. I’m a little sad for all of you in that regard, but I also fully understand. I hope one day things will be different.
Wilson and Tela are the cutest names.
I woke up today to the crazy news from Congress on the on again, now off again, ethics committee business and just shook my head in disgust. I may need another media blackout at this rate.
xo
lovely 🙂
happy new year 🙂
Happiness to you, too, Joshi!
Happy new year, Laurie. Oh those Labradoodles are the best — so sweet.
I fell in love with them ❤
Wilson and Tela were intently focused on the cutting of the cheese. Who knew it was so important to dogs?! It sounds like Christmas in Atlanta was exactly what you needed. Breakfast souffle and bloody Marys is a tradition I could get on board with. Who makes the souffle? I’ve never even tried to make one: sort of intimidating. Love that shot of the tree through the glass. I heartily agree: Christmas lights warm the soul.