Happy New Year!

 I want to wish all my readers a very Happy New Year and join them in the hope that 2021 will bring an end to the terrible pandemic we're experiencing, our lives will return to something close to "normal" and the chaos of the world at large will at least diminish and our nation can experience a gentler, more cooperative and considerate time, also perhaps without some of the horrific natural disasters experienced throughout the world this past year. Probably too much to hope for, but I have to think 2021 will be easier on us than 2020 has been.

I also want to let you know that St. Johnsbury's First Night Celebration is virtual this year. KATV, the community television station that Jamie Dimick manages, has put together eight hours of entertainment by various groups and individuals who would normally be performing live at venues throughout the town; but because of the Covid-19 restrictions, that wasn't possible, so these artists have pre-recorded their acts and KATV began running a continuous program at 4 o'clock. There will be eight hours of entertainment - tune in when you can, using the link above or on Channel 129 if you have Charter Television service. 

This is a good time to make resolutions, sure, but who keeps those? Instead, just resolve to reach out to friends and neighbors to wish them well in the New Year and then strive to live the best you can given the trying circumstances we're all forced to endure. We're all stronger than we think we are, and although being isolated and not celebrating with large groups of people is really difficult for some of us, there will be better times ahead, especially if we all are careful and put up with face masks and social distancing for a while longer. It's not too much to ask, especially since it could save your life - or someone else's. We can all make a few concessions to stay safe and help end this awful virus.

So have a Happy New Year with your mate, significant other, family pod or select small group - or by yourself if necessary. I'm going to make it special by fixing myself a nice dinner of crisp baked scallops with herbed brown rice and a fresh tossed salad. I plan to stay awake to see the new year in, but that probably won't happen! And that's ok, I'm sure 2021 will make it here ok without me cheering it on. 

Today I was remembering one Christmas I bunched together a string of all-white Christmas lights and attached it to one of the hooks that hold the flag, ran it up the flag pole next to our deck with a long extension cord so it looked like the ball on Times Square (I hoped). I planned everything carefully and convinced Fred to video tape the count-down at midnight on New Year's Eve. It turned out to be cold and blustery that night but we went out onto the deck and I was poised to bring down the lights as the seconds ticked away; and Fred stood ready to record it with his camera. It was one of those times when nothing went as planned, the rope was frozen and wouldn't release right away, I began to giggle, we were both chilled to the bone and of course it was well past midnight by the time I was able to lower the ball of lights. We couldn't wait to get back inside where it was warm. The video is still around, I think, but it wasn't something we talked about much, but as I remember, I did post the video to the blog. Fred never complained, but I thought it prudent not to repeat that performance again. 

Have a warm, safe, Happy New Year! (Here's that charming duo, Kate and Ora, wishing us all the best in 2021.) Thank you, ladies! Happy New Year to you, too!!