Though the weather wrecked travel plans for some, we had a nice gathering last night for New Year's Eve and for remembering Sharon. There was plenty of remembering through stories, photos, art, and music -- Van Morrison, k.d. lang, Annie Lennox, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss & Union Station.
We had a nice fire and fireworks, plenty of food and drink. I made a big pot of Chili All Day, we had ham and cheese, crackers and breads, dips (mmm, Howling Wolf) and spreads, shrimp and sauce, and sweet stuff coming out of our ears. To top it off, we had our first-ever Holiday Bake-off...
Just a fun little something that we decided to do this Christmas -- since many of us bake and some of us are competitive and we weren't exchanging gifts. It was postponed to New Year's Eve, and it all happened quite late, and not everyone was into it, but there was judging and scoring and, oh my, it was SWEET! There were four competitors: Rusty made pumpkin pies; Karen made three pastries from the same basic recipe, all Christmas-themed and all with different fillings; Ali made an amazingly decorated brownie "cake"; and I made La Bete Noire. Guess who won!
Today, we start the new year. I am looking forward to a good 2011 and plan to make some changes -- from the foundation up, so I bought some new underwear and "socks" today (as well as a coupla shirts and some PJs)!
Go Badgers!!
Love the foundation comment --- "so within, so without" or something like that. :D I'm wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Posted by: Angie | January 01, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Oiyi | January 01, 2011 at 10:17 PM
I'm glad you had such a good gathering for New Year's and remembering Sharon. Too bad about the weather, though. Sounds like you had awesome food to eat!
Posted by: Carole | January 02, 2011 at 06:42 AM
Your family knows how to celebrate and bring in the new!! Happy New Year, dear one!
Posted by: margene | January 02, 2011 at 08:33 AM
I love that every once in a while you remind me of Chili All Day. The perfect thing to make today. ( I never do have those chili beans. I can't get them here. Don't tell me they make or break the recipe;)
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 02, 2011 at 10:04 AM
What a great photo of your sister! I hope your New Year is happy!
p.s. I'd vote for the La Bete Noire, even without tasting it...
Posted by: Lorette | January 02, 2011 at 04:13 PM
I would recognize the Gloucester Fisherman anywhere, having lived most of my life not too far from there...what a fabulous picture of Sharon...total exhiliration and exuberance! How wonderful you have such great pictures!
A Bake Off - what a sweet way to usher in a new year (no pun intended!). It sounds like great fun and lots of great eating...especially for the judges! :)
Posted by: Maureen | January 02, 2011 at 06:15 PM