New Year's Eve

Such a year. Surely we'll all admit that 2015 had its memorable twists and turns!

It used to be that a change from one year to the next mattered a lot to me. Something about new beginnings, new efforts, fresh perspectives...

Now, I barely remember that it is New Year's Eve. Is tomorrow more special just because we flip a calendar page? Oh dear, I sound like Ed.

I checked Ocean's post from a year ago, just because I wondered if I did anything special for the change to 2015. I see that our water pump had malfunctioned and we spent this Eve day replacing it in frigid weather. And despite that, I made lobster tails for dinner and baked a raspberry tart for New Year's Day.

That was before I became a grandma.

Today was less ambitious.

We ate breakfast...





And I grocery shopped, but there wasn't a chance in hell I'd be buying something so dignified as lobster tails. I was going for the modest. Something that wouldn't have me cooking tonight. Like shrimp cocktail, where I just make the side salad. (To give me credit, I'll grate my own parmiggiano cheese to sprinkle over the lettuce.)


It's a pretty day. A really pretty day.






And after shopping, but before Snowdrop care, I suggest a quick run (with Ed) on skis. It's crusty and slippery out there and the trails aren't groomed, but the skies are blue and the temps are brisk and we have a wonderful time of it. It's an "only in Wisconsin" moment (even though I do understand we're not the only ones with beautiful winter days).






A hurried selfie:






And a race back to the parking lot. I don't want to be too late for Snowdrop.






I get to the little girl's house just in time to feed her sweet potato. With banana. Honestly, it's good!






After, her mom and I get ready to take down the Christmas tree. Snowdrop is thrilled to be part of the activity. Any activity.

But she's not hard to distract. Here, she's practicing her fine motor skills (ah, those delicate fingers!) by flipping hard to turn pages.






One last photo from underneath the Christmas tree...






Then it's tidying for us and walking for her. Up and down, up and down (while Goldie the sedentary cat protests the burden of the new gate).






It's the end of a year of Snowdrop for us all, that's for sure.

Here's what she and I have done so many times in this past year: selfies!






Here's the lovely silly girl, rolling on the floor:






Another selfie. In one of her new favorite poses.






Her mom unpacked oranges. Eventually, Snowdrop had some segments for dinner. Here, she's enjoying their play function.






Her mom flies her in the air...






... snuggles with her on the couch...






... and then it's time for me to go home.

...To a quiet supper with Ed, with a glass of bubbly, thoughts meandering to the girls in my life and the men that keep us smiling. That's my New Year's Eve.

It's not anywhere near midnight yet but I surely will not be awake then and so please accept my early wishes for a beautiful new year!