It drops for thee! Grins.Are you partying tonight? Are you getting dressed up and going out? Having people in? My house is going to fill up today with family. My brothers-in-law and their wives and sons will be arriving today to spend New Years with us. It will be loud - perhaps not quite as loud as Times Square where Bandita Jo is tonight! - but it's gonna be raucous.
Tomorrow, we'll have a huge meal, much like Thanksgiving or Christmas with steak and pototoes and all that yummy stuff. Its wonderful because my family is in North Carolina so we travel there for Thanksgiving. No leftovers. Ahhhh, but Christmas and New Years...LEFTOVERS!!! WOOHOOO! Its amazing how much I love 'em.
So that's all to say that we are totally BORING up here in DC. (After all, there's a big party only a couple weeks away on inauguration, can't get a sitter for both nights, right?) It's been a long time since we dressed up and went out to party. I vaguely rememer it being a total blast.Do you have any traditions? What do you do at New Years? I looked up a bunch of things on Wikipedia. Did you know they officially kick of New Years in Sydney, Australia? *Waving at our darling Aus Banditas* I'm sure they knew that, but for us non-Aus-ers, they do fireworks over
the Sydney Harbour bridge.In fact they do fireworks almost everywhere, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and India. Even in China, where they celebrate their Lunar New Year later, they blast off New Year Fireworks on "our" New Year.
Wiki says the Italians wear red underwear at New Years, but doesn't 
explain it. Anyone know why? (Not that I don't like red unmentionables, but I'm curious...) In Japan they clean. Okay, I don't want to spend New Years in Japan. :> Seriously it's the time to clear the temples and prepare to welcome the god of the New Year. (I still don't want to clean) In New Zealand, evidently the Black Caps cricket team play a New Years One Day game. Seems they've outlawed liquor in some places due to those rowdy Kiwis going beyond the reckless and into the vandalous.Another odd one from Wiki is Mexico. Again with the red undies - for those who wish to find love
- and get this...YELLOW undies for luck with money. (The guy to the left is the closest to yellow undies I could find, but he does look LUCKY...right?) I wonder if stripes gets you both? Oh and in Peru, there's the whole yellow-for-luck-undies, plus if you walk around the block with a suitcase, you'll get the trip of your dreams in the new year. In both countries, they eat a grape 
for every strike of the clock at midnight and make a wish for each grape. I like that one. I'm going to use it tonight! Grapes, I have.Do you make resolutions? If so, how many - one or a hundred? Something in between? Do you make family resolutions? I have a friend who gets her husband and kids together on New Years Eve and they make family resolutions for the year. Its pretty cool. They also have a 1/2 New Years in June, to check and see how they're doing on their resolutions!
Now I know Tawny's one of our Major List Makers - I'm betting she makes resolutions right along with her goals - and I know there were quite a number of Bandita Buddies who confessed to being inveterate list makers as well.
So, fess up. Do you make 'em? Do you check on 'em half-way through the year? Do you keep 'em till the next turn of the Year?
And another time for confession....is one of your goals this year to finish the D*mn BOOK? Grins.So ready the fireworks, get the undies on, pick up a suitcase (writing's a journey, after all!) and let's celebrate a FABULOUS new year. It's the countdown to the Ball Drop, the countdown to the
Queen's Speech (Denmark and the UK), countdown to some wonderful resolutions.Let's hear 'em, Ladies and Gentlemen!
163 comments:
Is he mine again! I know he will have a hang over today!
We do nothing on New Years. My husband sticks his nose in the TV and I will either be reading a book or sewing. This is how we spend every New Years. My husband is not a person that likes to go to parties and such.
Congrats Virginia! You get to spend New Years with the GR! That is a party! :-)
Virginia, you're on a serious roll! Congratulations.
Jeanne, your New Year's celebration sounds like a blast. Ours will be quiet, the four of us with age-appropriate beverages, cheese, and crackers for the three humans, and t-r-e-a-t-s for the dog. And maybe a cracker or two.
Resolutions--I try not to make those. I prefer to make plans. Or set goals. I haven't had the best luck with resolutionis. So here are my plans (all of which should be within my control--knocking on wood): Write "the end" on the first drafts of two books; finish the two short stories I've started, maybe turning one into a novella, and submit them; get all requested material out fast; get to the gym at least twice and preferably three times every week. There are some days that just improve tremendously when I've had the chance to go hit something. :-)
Happy New Year, everyone!
YAY - Happy New Years everyone!! I love this time of the year. Its such a great thing to be able to say goodbye to the old year and hopefully spend some time reflecting on how many wonderful things happened during it's passing. And yes, of course I have my goals (aka resolutions) made... color-coded and broken down into steps even.
And one of them is even to finish this d&^n book! *G*
Wishing everyone a safe, joyous celebration! I'm cozied up in the mountains with my family where we'll make tamales for dinner and toast with champagne at midnight. But now I'm wishing I had some grapes up here... I really like that wishing tradition!
Virginia -Happy Rooster Nabbing!!!
Great blog Jeanne, and I love the yellow undies pic! :-)
I am a HUGE lover of lists and resolutions. Love em. My husband and I usually try to find time for the two of us to sit down together and make both individual resolutions and couple resolutions. For the last few years our couple resolutions are always to go out on more regular dates. LOL. We never keep that particular resolution, but we keep making it!!
I've got lots of writing goals/resolutions on there, but I can sum them up this way: my husband bought me a bracelet for Christmas that says "live the dream." Isn't that a perfect resolution? What more do you need to say?
Oh, and here's a great custom I found one year from some country (I can't recall the precise origin) in Central America: you make a little doll out of paper or straw and attach to your doll some bad memory from 2008. You can draw a picture, or write something down on paper, and pin or tape it to the doll. Then at midnight you set the doll on fire. I think it's called "burning the old man" (in Spanish, maybe?). I love this, because while we're looking forward with all our resolutions and such, sometimes I think we need to also clear out a little of the baggage from the year before. Don't you think?
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Wow Virginia, you need to build the GR a little home w/ you! Congrats.
Fun post, Jeanne. My New Years will be tame. But a tradition is pork and sauerkraut. It's the only time we have it, so I guess I have major positive associations with it.
No lists/resolutions... I used to make them but I never really followed through, so... I stopped :X
Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
New Years Eve plans- I'm gonna be typing up my first post for the launch of my book blog on the 1st :D im really looking forward to it! ill probably just have some sparkling juice and watch the ball drop... other then that i have no other plans...
Resolutions- hmmm well i rarely ever make them but i have one for this year and its launching my book blog and making it a fun and entertaining blog... i don't want it to be boring... i want people to leave saying "wow, that was a fun blog and ill definately be coming back soon!" that's probably raising my hopes a little to high but what the heck... why not... As for the previous years (and for this one and years to come) i just stick with the same motto every year... "have fun and do your best, don't rush yourself and the year should go along pretty smoothly" sounds pretty good to me right? right! :D
Yes, I am a major list maker... for just about anything... I keep a small notebook in my purse to write down notes and things so i don't forget them...
Happy 2009 Everyone! I hope all your dreams and wishes come true and that your resolutions go well too!
Congrats on grabbing the GR Virginia! You should find him a party hat :D
Congrats on the GR, Virginia.
I will be watching home watching the ball drop on tv. I will not brave the crowds and the cold at Times Square. The forecast says the wind chill factor will make it feel like the temp is zero. I haven't made resolutions in a long time, but will this year. I want to take better care of myself by eating healthier and exercising more regularly. Happy New Year.
Congrats, Virginia on nabbing the GR!
Happy New Year everyone!
I am going to make a resolution in just making sure I write every single day, even if it's only a couple hundred words.
Congrats Virginia, How did he escape p226?
I don't make resolutions but I do set goals and at least make an attempt at reaching them EG.
The only tradition still going is to have pork and cabbage on New Years with a silver dollar cooked in the cabbage. Like Limecello we only have it once a year.
Oh, and I am no longer a list maker, once upon a time I was but as I got older I kept losing the lists!!!
Didn't finish the questions did I? I will be going out tonight, since it is end of month I will be late getting off from work but it is also mine and BF anniversary, 3 years so far.
I'm so jealous of everyone on the east coast. Being on the Pacific coast I feel like we get in on the fun after the event is over as we're the last ones to welcome the New Year and we get your leftovers or in this case re-runs. I'd like to celebrate New Years just once in New York where the real celebration happens.
Nothing planned for New Year's Eve and we don't have any traditions. But I'm looking forward to our Christmas snow having melted enough so I can finally get out and about hopefully on New Year's Day. If not, it will be a good excuse to stay home and read a good book.
Happy New Years! I hope 2009 brings everyone fulfillment in all your endeavors! Have fun and stay safe!
Oh, Virginia, the GR with a hangover is NOT a pretty sight. You may want to give him up tomorrow. What a blast you two will have tonight, though. The GR is quite a dancer!!
Jeanne, we have had a NYE party the past three years, but forewent it this year because: a) I didn't have the time or energy to plan it; and, b) we can't afford it. Sad but true.
It's nice to have people over and celebrate with my friends, but I'm looking forward to a quiet evening at home. My youngest is going to a friend's house (maybe to escape her math project...hm...) but the middle child, the dh and I will be here.
We usually watch movies until about 11:30, then turn on the coverage of Times Square (where Jo will be!). We light a fire in the fireplace and toast marshmallows, make s'mores, drink hot chocolate. At midnight, we celebrate with sparkling cider for the kids and, if we have it, champagne for the grownies.
On New Year's Day, we usually have traditional Southern "good luck" foods: ham (country ham this year), buttermilk cornbread, black-eyed peas and collard greens. I haven't cooked anything yet, so I guess I'll be soaking beans tonight. *g*
I may even get jiggy and fix a breakfast casserole for in the morning. To be eaten at a LATE brunch, of course.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year! May you be blessed with all good things in 2009. Great books and great contracts all around!
Limecello, I forgot the sauerkraut and Polish sausage! Adding that to my grocery list for today...
It's a very eclectic dinner at our house on New Year's Day. *g*
Dianna, congratulations on three years with the boyfriend! That is a long time, girl. And such a memorable anniversary, too. Have a wonderful celebration!
Happy New Year, Banditos!
We are doing nothing, which is fine, I'm coming down with some wicked sore throat thing :)
I will probably read a book, red wine to clear up this throat thing :) (really it works), let the kids stay up to midnight so at least one of them sleeps in and there is no bickering at seven in the morning.
I'm not a huge resolution gal. I've made them in the past, but they are usually simple and very VERY easily accomplished. Like I want to write two full lengths this year (easy, I'm a third through a book right now). And sadly that is all I can come up with.
Wow, Virginia! The GR is hanging with you for New Year's Eve. Better keep him away from the bubbly! :)
I rarely make resolutions, because I seem to break them. But this year I need to stick to the "exercise at least 4 days a week". More would be better, but I'll take it in stages.
Like Caren, we have to have black-eyed peas and greens. It's necessary to have luck in the New Year! We'll be at home this year. My younger son is going to sleep over at a friends, and if the rest of us can keep our eyes open, we'll ring in 2009 with champagne for the hubby and me and sparkling cider for our other kiddos.
As for the red undie thing in Italy, we lived there for two years and yes, I wore the red knickers. I'm pretty sure is just a good luck symbol. Can't remember if it's anything else. I must say that the Italians--or the Neapolitans (we lived in Naples)--ring in the New Year in a big way. I have never seen so many fireworks in my life. We watched with friends from our roof, and there was over an hour of non-stop, 360 degree pyrotechnic mania. It was incredible and one of our best memories.
Happy 2009 to all of you!!!
Happy New Year's Eve! Virginia, I don't have to worry about you being awake to ring in the New Year. When the GR parties, nobody sleeps!
The dogs and I will be home tonight. I plan to read, watch football and enjoy the celebrations on TV...if I can manage to stay awake long enough.
My New Year's Day tradition is corn bread, ham, black eyed peas and greens. I make fabulously yummy black eyed peas using my late dh's recipe. When he was alive everybody in the neighborhood would stop by our house on New Year's Day just to have a bowl...or two.
Hey, I'm watching the Sydney fireworks on TV! HAPPY NEW YEAR to the ladies from OZ!
Gee, I'm I exhausted from yesterday's party. My entire body aches from all those dances and kisses and . . . well, you get the idea!
The dh and I like to spend New Years Eve at home, where the kidos are safe and sound. We all stay up to ring in the new year together(if the youngest can stay awake). Tonight there will be pizza and snacks and cheesecake. We will be watching football (Go Georgia Tech!) and probably playing the Wii.
As far a resolutions, it will be the same ones I always make -- lose some weight, exercise, eat heathly, and get out of debt. Maybe this year it will happen!
I hope 2009 is a banner year for everyone!
Congrats again Virginia he must be enjoying your place
Normally on New Years eve hubby an I stay at home and watch the wonderful fireworks over Sydney Harbour on the TV they have two lots one at 9-00pm for the Kids and the big one at midnight this year we all went to my son and daughter in laws place for a family BBQ and watched both lots of fireworks on the TV the first lot with the kids then the second just us adults and they were fantastic.
As for resolutions no don't make them in years long gone I tried and never stuck to any of them so have given up LOL
It is now 1-00am Jan 1st 2009 at my place and I would like to wish everyone a fantastic New Year filled with love happiness and peace as well as lots of book sales and thank everyone for a fantastic year that has been filled with lots of fun and great books
Have Fun
Helen
Oh, my, Virginia! You've caught the chook again! Wheeeeee! He must like the party atmosphere at your house.
As to New Year's eve, with the GR in the house, you and he could go out dancing and the hubby would never know, right?
Bwah-ha-ha!
Hahaha! Nancy, you crack me up. I too find it cathartic to have a chance to (safely) go hit something at least once or twice a week. Karate rules. :>
I like your goals and I see them as SO deliciously attainable, so you'll be there, Sistah! :>
(Oh, and some more requests and a sale for you too, while I'm waving my magic Genie Wand)
Mornin' Kirsten! Yep, that party bird's gonna take Virginia out tonight. I can see him now in his flashy GR tux, looking like da' ladiez man, with lovely Virginia on his arm, easing her into the limo as the sleeping pill he gave the husband takes effect....
(See what happens when I get that kind of picture in my head? I've got her whole night planned out...)
hey Tawny! *waving madly* Isn't that grapes thing fun? Not sure you'll get anything but frozen grapes up there where you're staying. How much snow is there now? Maybe raisins would work...snork!
And yes, I KNEW you'd have goals/resolutions and that they'd be broken down and color coded even. Heehee. SO cool! No wonder you get so much DONE
We'll go out to an early dinner at a nearby restaurant, then come home and maybe watch a DVD. Around 10, we'll have some munchies and start on a bottle of champagne. We can see the fireworks at Universal Studios from our driveway, so we go outside then (although it's getting harder to stay up -- of course, the noise will wake us if we do drop off)
Happy New Year everyone.
Does the underwear thing work if the knickers are yellow and the brazire red?
Happy New Year to all or BB's!
Most years I stay home...alone...and watch the ball drop. I LOVE watching the ball drop and yelling "Happy New Year" to myself. People in my neighborhood will then set off firecrackers and suspect some artillery.
Tonight I'm going to a friend's house (the one with my 4 yo friend) for companionship though I have to leave by 9;30 ish as yes, I get to work tomorrow :-(
When my parents were with us we would have pork and greens and sauerkraut (yuk)and the black eyed peas. I would manage to eat ONE pea...just to cover my bases.
I stopped with the resolutions too though I am going to work even harder this year to attain publication, get healthier by eating better and exercising. As Gannon said, steps at a time. (I ABHOR designations of food eaten etc. as "I was bad". NO. You could have made a healthier choice perhaps but you were not BAD.
Anyway everyone stay safe and here's to good things in 2009!
Wow, Jeanne, your New Year's sounds fabulous. Enjoy! Mine will make you cringe ... I clean. Ha ha. In fact, I've been cleaning like a derwish the last few days as I have a 'tradition' that everything must be super spic-and-span at the turn of the year. Nary a speck of lint or a dust mote allowed. Terrible things will descend on me otherwise, or so I tell myself.
Resolutions? Only to stay on top of work deadlines, but I do that anyway.
Speaking of which, as soon as a pressing bit of work is off my desk in another day or so, I hereby resolve to race to BN and get a copy of TEMPT THE DEVIL.
Celebrating? I do allow myself one special moment. My nod to Hogmanay. At midnight Scottish time, I'm on the phone with friends there and lift a fine dram with them. Royal Brackla, my very favorite single malt.
And, yeah, Anna C, my screen name makes me pine for the Highlands, too. It's a special place, Crianlarich. I either love it or hate it, depending on the direction I'm driving. Hence the name.
Happy New Year, Banditas!
Wow Virginia! You must know how to show the GR a good time. He followed you home from the ball!
I have to work today and tomorrow so there won't be much time to party for me. I will spend NYE at home with the dogs and cats. Want to write five pages so I can start a new good habit. Yes, one of my resolutions is to finish the damned book! (book #3)
I will probably conk out before midnight so I will count on all of you to ring in the New Year properly for me.
One resolution is to start fixing up the house now that it is paid for!
I wish I was off tomorrow as my Mom will have a big New Year's feast for the family complete with black eyed peas! Sigh!
Congrats Virginia, How did he escape p226?
Escape? ESCAPE?
I think not. There I was in my undisclosed location, hammered, with the room spinning slowly to the left, and that damned rooster starts CROWING. No, he did not escape. He was tossed out the window. Or through it. I dunno. My head hurts and there's a crispy peanut butter and jelly sandwich roasted in the microwave. Who nukes PB&J?
Why is my tux (it's a rental, folks) dripping with champagne? Why can't I remember anything after several banditas hung a cabana boy by his ankles from a hole in the ceiling where a chandelier used to be? Why am I so sore? Why is there an imprint from a gladiator shield on the left side of my face? Did I have to drink from a guy's slipper last night? AC? A little help here?
Now... for new years...
There will be no gladiators and no cabanaboys and NO ROOSTERS CROWING AT UNGODLY HOURS.
Looks like we're going to be eating Japanese cuisine of some sort with friend, and then catching some live music this evening. I think it'll be the first time I've been out for NYE in probably, ten years.
Why am I so sore? Why is there an imprint from a gladiator shield on the left side of my face? Did I have to drink from a guy's slipper last night?
Ooooooo....ladies! Success!
And he doesn't remember...Bwahahahahaa
;-)
LOL,
Happy New Year, p226!
I just got a call from the other charge nurse who..because her daugther's arrival has been delayed...has offered to work for me tomorrow!
Hooray! I may be up at midnight with my 4 yo friend Ella after all!
(Believe me, that little dynamo WILL be awake)
Happy New Year's, ladies!!
We'll go to the movies and stay home later with the kiddos. Have some champagne for me! :)
I'm new to your blog; dumb question time: what cyber thing is it that the first poster gets? Must be good because everyone wants it!!!
OK, doing nothing special for NYE except watch a few good movies or read a book. And as far as resolutions go....I guess maybe I should finish up the list from '08 before I start with '09, eh?
Happy New Year one and all!
We never do anything special for New Year's, except toast in the New Year and watch the Twilight Zone marathon on TV. I swear my husband gets more excited about that than watching the Times Square ball drop on TV. We're going out to dinner, just a local place, nothing fancy. I'm looking forward to having a relaxing evening.
My daughter will be working (she's a waitress at a Disney resort) and my son, who is in Europe, will be calling to wish us a Happy New Year long before it hits our shores!
I've made some "goals" lists, but it's all things I would do, anyway: finish the novella I'm working on, edit my NaNo story, revise the others, write, edit, revise, rinse, repeat. I'm not much on resolutions, though.
Happy New Year to you all!
Kirsten, you summed up the burn the old man thing so well! I saw that in Wiki from one of the Central/South American countries, Ecuador, I think, and thought it was cool.
LOVE the bracelet, darling. What a sweet hubby!
We always resolve to go out on more dates too, but haven't made the goal number yet. We did better last year, got out about every 2 months, but we need to make it at least once a month, you know? :>
Hey Limecello! Happy New Year! Since I despise saurkraut - a long story, I assure you! - I'll skip that, but we usually have black eyed peas and collard greens on New Years day. Well, I should say I do. My boys don't like them verry much. :>
I think it's good to NOT make resolutions if you know you aren't gonna follow 'em. It just builds self-distrust, so why do it, right? Ha!
Enjoy the kraut!
Hi Danie88! Happy New Year! Yeah! Another note taker. :>
Tell us the URL for your New Year blog, girl. Inquiring minds and all that...
I love the way you put it - do your best, don't rush - yep, good thing to resolve to do. Go, you!
Hi Jane! Happy New Year! (almost!) Good for you for resolving to take good care of YOU. I'm resovling that too. I've already made a good start this fall, but I'm going to do even more better, as my son would say, in 2009.
Let's get healthy together. :> Slim, svelte and fine in 2009.
Good resolution, Elyssa! You go, girl! :> That's my fav resolution...to write every day. I made that one last year and, for the most part, kept it. Yeeha! So good for you...ready, set...GO!
Dianna, yeah! You're the first "going out" post. Hope you and the BF have a fab-o time and lift a glass for us. I think most of the Banditas lifted a few too many yesterday w/ Anna, but at least they were virtual. Snork. You toast a fab year and an even better one to come in year 4 with your BF. :>
Happy New Year, Sue A! I hope you do get to get out and about. It is fun to be on the East Coast, but hey, Australia starts it all. I'd like to be THERE on New Years some day. Or to see the fireworks over the London Eye or something like that.
I'm not fond of big pushy crowds, but I'd love to do NYC at least once...
Oooh, Caren, I forgot the cornbread. (Not that I needed to cook it, but to mention it) I lurve cornbread. SLURP. Ham, yep, got that too. Ha!
I love your New Years feast by the fire. Maybe we'll try that too. I have all the s'mores stuff...wait, no. Sugaring up the 4 year old at midnight...BAD IDEA. Ha! (Hopefully he won't be up, though)
Enjoy your nice quiet New Years. It'll make a nice change and the party next year will be even more special for having skipped a year.
Oh, and Happy New Year to you, Bandita!
Happy New Year, Tiffany! So sorry about the throat, but you're right, the red wine should knock that right out. And if it doesn't, have a little more wine and you won't care. Snork! (At least that's what happens to me...)
I like resolutions you can keep. I usually try to do good solid ones that I feel confident I can do and several BHAGs. Those are Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals. Those are stretch goals. I like to make those happen 'cause they feeeeeeeel so good! Heehee.
Happy New Year, Gannon! Okay, the red knickers thing makes sense then. Its the same in Mexico and Peru then, for luck. :> I loike it!
It would be so great to see those Naples fireworks. I think I'm going to put that on my Someday List - see the fireworks on NYEve in Naples. Sounds cool
Enjoy the bubbly...
'Morning, PJ! Happy soon-to-be New Year! Ooh, wish I'd seen the Sydney fireworks. (I was watching Handy Manny at the time, so...)
We'll be having black eyed peas here too, and greens and cornbread and all that yummy stuff Caren mentioned. I'd love to have your DH's recipe though, then maybe I wouldn't be the only one eating peas. Heehee.
Oh my yes, on the football. And the Rose Parade tomorrow. The fam knows not to bother me while I'm watching the parade. Ralph has breakfast/brunch duties tomorrow. I'll be parade scoping. Ha! Better not count on me for lunch either, since the Rose Bowl will be on...
Hey Buffie! Happy Soon-to-be New Year! I say lets all get Fab, Fit and Fine in 2009. Whaddya say, ladies? Then maybe we can out-dance those totally cute, but abominably fit Cabana boys. :>
Wasn't that a wonderful party Anna threw yesterday? Woweee, never seen so much dancing and cavorting and...well, you know. Let's just say "trysting" shall we?
Heehee.
Good morning y'all! Okay, got my fireworks in my purse and I'm pulling on my red panties ... now what?
Oh yeah, Happy New Year!!!!
We're having dinner with friends tonight. Our host is a professional chef and actually likes to cook on his days off, lucky us! There will be six of us, old friends all, enjoying numerous courses of fabulous food and lots of champagne and laughs. Sounds like heaven to me. :-)
Virginia, you're spending the day with a hungover GR? Sounds fowl. Hee hee hee. Fowl. Get it?
Okay, I resolve in the New Year to work on my punmanship.
*woohoooooo, Happy New Year* Waving madly at Helen and all our Oz pals. What fun to do a BBQ and see the fireworks TWICE. I love that. *pout* I want to go to OZ for New Years...I'm too late for this year, obviously, so I'll have to plan for next year. :>
Thanks for being with us for this wonderful year, Helen. You've brightened the place up with your charm and wit and we are privledged to have you in our midst. Here's to even more deliciousness in 2009!
Hi Terry! Happy soon-to-be New Year! I'm going to have to pick your brain about Universal if you live near there. We're planning our first Disney trip next fall. Hear me groaning? Heehee. Seriously, I'll love it as much or more than my boys, but urg, the planning.
However, what huge fun to be able to sit in the driveway with your champagne and watch the fireworks! Yeah! I like that set up. You may get a Bandit invasion one year, having let that secret out...
Joanie T said: Does the underwear thing work if the knickers are yellow and the brazire red?
I'm thinking it does, JT. :> Just my opinion of course, but I'd go for it. Let us know how that works for you this year...Heehee. (Thinking...do I have a red brassiere? I know I've got yellow...) Okay, off that topic, but on to...UGH you have to WORK? Well, here's me tipping my hat to you, darling. I know someone has to be there for the patients and I know you will be brilliant, as always.
As you say, steps at a time. I'm resolving to lose 1 pound a month. Which means by this time next year I'll be down 12 and in a lower size. That is NOT intimidating, so, therefore, it'll happen. One morning walk at a time. Ha! And LOL on the one black eyed pea.
Bandits, I found the greatest saying about commitment, something that seems very appropriate for New Years, over at the Killer Fiction blog (an excellent site) and gratefully borrowed it for my own blog post today.
I don't think I've extended an invite before, but if any of you would like to pop over http://gillianlayne.blogspot.com/, I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's worthy of your commitment this New Year! I know making time to share in Bandita fellowship is certainly on my list. :)
Hi Crianlarich! Happy soon-to-be New Year!
Okay, you already know how I feel about cleaning if you read the post. Bleeech. However, I do see your point. I'm like that just before Halloween actually. I just HAVE to clean so that everything is got a good clean base before the "party season" at my house which kicks off with the annual Addams Family Halloween party. So I do get it...but I ain't doin' it at New Years. Heehee.
New Years will be fun 'round here, but I have to say that it isn't very glamourous. No party dresses. Then again, I get to don one when we have a bash in the lair - Thank you Anna! - and for the GH/Rita. That's kind of like a Romance Writer's New Years, isn't it? All dressed up, lots of food and drink and shouting and yelling. (That would be in the Bandita Section of course.)
I love that you celebrate Hogmanay! My mother's people are Scotish and I adore Scotland. How fab that you call and share a wee celebratory drop with your friends.
Maybe this year, I'll actually get to SEE Scotland in the "flesh" so to speak...there's a BHAG for me...(BHAG = Big Hair Audacious Goal)
Hi Louisa! Happy soon-to-be New Year! I'll slide the black-eyed peas your way when you get off work. Since I'm the only one who eats them, there'll be plenty left when you get off work...
So sorry you have to work too. Glad the pups and kits will have your stellar company for the bell ringing, though. :> And YEAH YOU! for going right on into #3. I feel like you are going to bust it loose in '09, darling! You have had a remarkable '08 and are really getting some notice, so take heart and keep writing...you're nearly there! (I feel it in my bones and you know New Years bones don't lie!)
Oh, P226...there went my coffee. I'm so sorry about the shield print. I think that was Anna's fault. It was the Richard Armitage thing again... Really. Sorry 'bout that....
It WAS a rowdy day and eve in the Lair yesterday. My Goodness. As to the PB&J...ummm...I think that was an error too...as you said, who the devil nukes PB&J?
BTW, I'd pitch him out on his ars..ahem...tail feathers too if he crowed at dawn after such a wild night. Dratted bird. At least Virginia has him in hand. Then again, I'm about convinced that he's persuading her to fly the coop and go dancing, leaving poor hubby to his paper. Sly old bird.
As to the tux, good thing its a rental, right? What's the old saying? It's a rental, don't be gentle? Snork. Guess you proved that one out...'course it usually applies to rental CARS...
Joanie, you minx! I knew you and Demetrius were up to something...
OH!! I just read that you aren't having to work! YEAHHHHHH!!!!! BTW, we should introduce the 4 y/olds. Mine will probably be up too. We could hook them to a generator and power the house for a year....bwah-ha-ha...alternative energy indeed!
Hi Gillian! We'll raise a glass for you! Happy soon-to-be New Year!
Happy New Year's Eve, everybody! Happy New Year's Day to our Aussie Banditas & BBs!
I love resolutions, though my husband does not. Every year I make my lists & every year he just shakes his head.
Thanks to those lists, however, I am in decent cardiovascular condition, am at a healthy weight, & have finished several books. So whether or not it works for him, it works for me.
This year, my resolution is simple. This year I will do everything in my power to say only positive things about my own body in front of my children. I have little girls & what I say about my body will forever shape what they think about theirs. So from now on, it's only good, strong & healthy. I know I can't protect them from the body image issues the world pushes on them, but I will do my best to avoid making it worse.
Oh, & happy release day one day late, Anna C.! So sorry I couldn't drop in. I got trapped under a load of unpacked suitcases & dirty laundry. :-)
Hi Karen H in NC! Welcome! We love having new people drop in. Especially from NC - I'm biased since I'm FROM NC and several of our other Banditas live there too. Hello and Happy soon-to-be New Year in the Old North State. :>
The virtual "prize" for the first poster is the Golden Rooster. The wily old bird has, however, taken on a life of his own and succeeded in becoming an international super spy, a rogue and a general man about the Universe. He goes on covert ops with P226, makes mischief here in the Lair, and periodically, through some hitherto unknown technology, takes over the blog for a day now and again. :>
Glad you joined us today. So, what's left on the '08 list? Gotta get 'er done, gal! Heehee. (I'd better check my list, saying that, and see what's left to do. I've only got a few hours, right?)
Oh my Kate! I want to come to YOUR party! A chef who cooks for you? Oh, yeah, I'm there. :>
As to the purse, panties and fireworks, do move the lighter or matches to your pocket for now. Wouldn't want an exploding purse to ruin those lovely panties.
Oh, now was that bad? I probably shouldn't have said that, right? I'll hereby resolve to not be...okay, no, that won't work. I refuse to resolve to be good when that's so little fun...Bwah-ha-ha! Besides y'all would probably kick me out of the lair if I tried to be TOO good. So un-Bandita-like!
Checking back in to say hi all. The GR has a virtual hang over today so he is kind of quite.
I do make list myself if I didn't I would forget all kinds of things. As far as resolution go it does me no good to make them because I want keep them. I tell myself every year that I am going to loose some weight but it never happens. Maybe I am setting my goals to high. May I sould tell myself 10 lbs instead of 20, maybe that will work.
Hi Treethyme! Happy soon-to-be New Year! I think your evening sounds lovely. I adore the Twilight Zone. I mean what other theme could say so much without saying a word? All you have to do, in conversation, is hum that theme and everyone knows...yep, that's odd! heehee.
Go you, on the goals. Yeah! :> And enjoy dinner. Since I'm cooking it, I'm envying you, just slightly, that you're going out to a yummy low-key local place. Yep, that sounds very appealing...
but at least they were virtual.
They were?
But, who sent out the memo to have your fav alcohol on hand and drink a toast every time gladiators, cabana boys, Hugh/Colin/Richard/Eric were mentioned?
Who?!!!
Och, my head.....
LOL on the one black eyed pea.
Throw one toward KY....
:-)
I tend to make goals each year in various areas -- writing, personal, home improvement. I'm looking up at mine from 2008 on the corkboard above my desk. I did accomplish some but not all, so tonight I'll make a new set of all types of goals for 2009. Gasp! It's going to be the last year of my 30s. Whimper.
Hey again, Gillian! That IS a great quote and perfect for New Years, you're right. :>
Hi Susan! Happy New Year! I'm so glad you escaped from under the pile of suitcases and laundry. Yikes! That must have been scary! Grins.
You said: Thanks to those lists, however, I am in decent cardiovascular condition, am at a healthy weight, & have finished several books. So whether or not it works for him, it works for me.
GO YOU! BTW, everyone, I can attest to her fab condition, she wore this gorgeous dress when she won the GH this last year and her arms were so toned. I was totally jealous! :>
I have to LOL Susan, because my DH does the same head shaking about my lists, but he dutifully jots notes in his daybook which is the same darn thing, but he doesn't see it that way. Ha! I get more done if I write it down, so...I write it down. Now, if I could only get my arms that toned...
Maybe in 2009...
I adore what you said about your resolution for '09 and helping to shape your daughter's body image. I have boys, but I think it applies to both sexes. They should know they're beautiful, loved and wanted no matter how they look. Girls are more susceptible, I think though, to the visual portrayal of models and all that. I cheered out loud when France decreed that their runway models had to be a certain minimum weight to even work the runway. That's how France is trying to curb the rampant issue of anorexia and all that. Go France! Heehee.
What a great way to support your girls in '09, though. Go YOU!
We're not New Year's Eve party people either. I'm content to sit at home and watch the ball drop.
danie88, good luck with your new book blog. Fun!
Dianna, congrats on your anniversary.
Hi Virginia! Welcome back...glad to know the GR's being a bit quiet for you. Don't let him fool you though. Quiet before the storm, most likely. :> He did poor P226 an injustice so watch out. Retaliation may be in order...
As to weight, you could go for 5 pounds by June and another 5 by December. That's worked for me. Breaks it up into managable, imaginable, doable sets. :>
JT said: But, who sent out the memo to have your fav alcohol on hand and drink a toast every time gladiators, cabana boys, Hugh/Colin/Richard/Eric were mentioned?
Oh, that's right, it was partially BYOB. Maybe that's why I had on pearls and not much else this morning....hmmmmm
Tiffany, sorry about the sore throat. That's so not the way you want to start a new year. Hope you feel better soon.
Gannon, New Year's in Naples sounds gorgeous. We just got back from the beach (Destin, Florida) last night, but if we'd stayed a couple more days, we could have seen their big fireworks display tonight. Alas, hubby had to work today.
Hi Trish! Happy soon-to-be New Year! I break my goals out that way too. You made a LOT happen this year, so you should be Proud, proud, proud, even if a few things didn't get off the list. Wow, what a year you've had! Go YOU!
So, am I throwing one black-eyed-pea to you too? Or a whole dollop for your fabulous last-year-in-the-30s? (Remember, they say 50 is the new 30, so you're just a wee whippersnapper and so am I! Bwah-ha-ha!)
Won't it be cool if we get to see Jo in the crowd whilst watching the ball drop from our snug, cozy living rooms? heehee. I hope she's having a fab time!
Terry, that's cool that you can see the fireworks at Universal Studios from your house.
p226 -- LOL!
Karen H, welcome to the Bandit Lair!
Jeanne, like JT, I might be able to stomach one black-eyed pea. Not a fan. Also hate greens. And grits. Really, I AM southern, I swear. :)
*tossing black-eyed pea your way* Here you go, Trish, your token black-eyed pea. :> I know you're southern, I heered you tawk. Grins. Same'n as me, n' Cassondra, n' Nancy, n' Caren, n'Joanie...who'd I fergit?
It's the tea that gives us all away. We all drink it sweet, cold and without cream. Hahahah!
I'm not so fond of peas or greens that I eat a lot of them, but I do love grits. And ham. SLURP. I might like the peas better if I had PJ's DH's recipe...
Part-ay! We love to go out on New Years eve! Also, today is my birthday so we are going to Red Lobster for my favorite meal then on to the American Legion here in town to celebrate New Year's eve.
Resolutions? What's that? Well,"confession corner",...ahem,...I am not good at sticking to a resolution so I don't make them. If I want to do something, I just do it, and that's that. Not much hem, hawing on my part when it comes to making a decision.
My motto, "If you want to change something, do it." "If you want to try something new, do it." I don't over analyze anything. I make up my mind and go for it. Maybe that comes from being a Capricorn, the sign of the goat. Look out! Here I come! Wheeee!!!!.....
Party! Partee! Hey, where's the Cabana boys? Oops! Sorry I bumped your tray of drinks but I am thirsty! Whoever made the margaritas they are fantastic! Here comes a tray of horduerves. Ooo....let's see, mini quiche, and lobster bites. Yum! Two for the road for me!
Happy New Year everyone!
Michele L.
Um, I don't like tea either, in any form. Or coffee. Yes, I'm weird.
Michele, Happy Birthday! The world has a party for you every year. :)
Hi Michelle L! Great to see you and Happy Birthday. (That other event needs to take second fiddle to YOUR birthday, right?) :>
Oh, THERE the Cabana boys are. Finally! We told them to take their vitamins this week, between Anna's launch yesterday and the New Year/Michelle's Birthday party today, well, they were gonna need their strength. Ha!
Glad you came by to bump a tray.
"Happy New Year" to all!
We are of the low-key persuasion,
so we will have only a "bit of the
bubbly" tonight, especially since
we both have a cold. Tomorrow we
will have a lunch which includes
all the traditional Southern foods
of our childhood. (Ham, black-eye
peas, rice, cornbread, cabbage/
cole slaw, ambrosia, etc.)
Pat Cochran
Well Trish, am I passing you a Mt. Dew, a Pepsi (born in the Carolinas!) or a Co-Cola? (Born in Atlanta) Heehee. I keep telling my his-family's-been-in-the-US-since-before-the-founding Adams hubby that he's Un-American because he likes neither peanut butter (SLURP!) nor Pumpkin Pie. He's even got a Mayflower ancestor and he doens't like pumpkin pie! SACRILEDGE!!! (I don't think I spelled that right, which kind of lessens the effect!)
Ambrosia...oh, yeah. Didn't put the makings for that on the grocery list, Pat. Thanks for the reminder. Mmmmm-mmmm. *makes more lists* Gotta have that.
Happy New Year Pat, may it bring many wonderful things to you and yours. :> You've been a wonderful voice in the Lair this year! Thanks!
Oh, Trish? Was it Dr. Pepper that you liked? *Summoning a Cabana boy for intel*
I never make New Years resolutions. Or do anything special on New Years Eve. I might watch Dinner for Two on tv. Maybe. They show that every year, anyway.
Happy New Year (ABBA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcLMH8pwusw
Europe: Final Countdown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3PV34CzYWM
Hi Minna! Happy almost-New-Year! It's been great having you in the Lair this year. You're a delight and always bring a fresh voice to the party. Thanks! Here's to more *raising a glass* in 2009!
Now, explain the basic plot of Dinner for Two. I read something about that on the Wikipedia entry on New Years' traditions. It said the program was shown virtually every year at New Years. What is it? (I know I could Google it, but I'd rather get your take, it's more fun that way!)
Tawny--Your goals are color-coded? My disorganized little brain boggles! Really, that's very impressive. Glad you're having a good time up there in the snow.
Kirsten, I love that idea about the doll. Every year has baggage, and it's sometimes hard to shed. I'm also impressed with the joint resolutions you and the dh make. Very cool!
Limecello, I think it's better to stop than to beat yourself up for not keeping a resolution. That's my theory of operation, anyway.
Danie wrote: "have fun and do your best, don't rush yourself and the year should go along pretty smoothly" sounds pretty good to me right? right! :D
Sounds good to me. I sometimes do make lists, but I tend to lose them. Which makes following them just a tad difficult.
Jane, we'll be watching on TV, too. Once the wind chill gets below about 20, I feel as if my blood is coagulating.
Brrrrr, Nancy! Will it be that cold where you are? We've got high wind today in DC - in fact we've got warnings about it. Looks like 2009 is going to BLOW in! Ha!
Elyssa, I like the writing every day resolution. There used to be a club for that (Beth Patillo, I think), but I'm not sure it's still around.
Dianna, me, too on losing the lists! *g* Congrats on the anniversary. I hope there are many more.
Sue, my friends in Seattle are just now getting Christmas packages because of all the snow. I hope the melt continues where you are (and for them, too) and no flooding results.
Virginia, I'm surprised he can move after what he was up to yesterday! Congratulations! Give him some asprin and send him to bed for the day!
Crianlarich, I LOVE your plans for new year's! Actually Crianlarich is where you change trains to either go west to wonderful Oban and the Isles or to Fort William and then the train for Mallaig and Skye. Sigh! I've only ever seen the railway station but the rail journey is amazing in any direction! Oh, now I'm REALLY pining for the Highlands. What's your favorite part?
I'm starting a new book today! 1st Jan seemed a karmically auspicious day for such a major undertaking. Wish me luck! I hope the book does better than the diets I used to start on 1st Jan! They always lasted about till lunchtime on 1st Jan!
Happy New Year, everyone! It's just past 5am here where I am in Oz (needless to say I didn't go out last night either, getting up at that hour!). You guys really enrich my life and I hope you find that 2009 is an enriching year for you in all the ways that count!
Caren, your holiday sounds a lot like ours, but I suspect we'll be having spaghetti instead of traditional foods. I was raised in the South and so became accquainted with black eyed peas at an early age. Not so, the dh. They're one of the few foods he dislikes.
Tiffany, you and I are on the same page about output, but you're ahead of me. I'm still revising to submit. Best of luck with your projects!
Gannon, I know how hard that gym thing can be. If my routine gets disrupted, re-establishing it can be really hard.
PJ, the black-eyed peas sound wonderful. And you're right--2009 has reached Oz. Happy New Year to all our southern hemisphere banditas and friends! And to the rest of us in due time. :-)
P226, how sad you can't remember what happened after the ceremonial hanging of the cabana boy. But I have the video! Bwahahahahahaha!
OMGoodness, Anna, Whew, 5 a.m.? After all that partying yesterday? Urg. You're a better woman than I am...heehee
Despite that, Happy NEW YEAR! You've had a brilliant 2008, darling Anna! Welcome to 2009 and even more kudos and fab-o books for you and for us! :>
Glad to know you're on the starting block for a new book. Yeah! More Anna Campbell for US!
Buffie--it's always so hard to recover from a party. At least, the really good ones. *g*
Helen, Happy New Year to you, too! I envy you those gorgeous fireworks, which I've seen on TV.
Jeanne, thanks. I hope 2009 will bring great things all around.
Terry, you have great fireworks, too, huh? Wish we did. Unfortunately, somebody in our neighborhood sets off loud ones late into the night (or far into the morning), which keeps us awake and really upsets the dog. Your evening sounds lovely.
Jeanne, I can drink either Pepsi or Coke, but even though I grew up in a Pepsi household, I prefer Coke.
I hate peanut butter, but I LOVE pumpkin pie.
Sorry, hate Dr. Pepper too. My weirdness continues.
Joan, re: artillery, some of our neighbor's fireworks sound like it. I'm with you there. Sorry you have to work tomorrow.
Crianlarich, Happy 2009 to you, too! If you run out of things to clean and are desperate for more, we can always use help. We used to resolve to be better about that, but we've given up. We settle for coping. *sigh*
Louisa, congrats on having the house paid for. In this climate, that's a fabulous coup! Sorry you have to work, but I wish you luck on the five pages. I'm still revising . . . and really ready to do something NEW!
For the past few years, my New Year's resolution has been to not make a resolution. They are usually doomed to failure. Instead, I set goals. Goals are easier to aim for than resolutions and there's not as much of a let-down if you fail to meet them within the year-long time frame. First goal is to set up a better writing schedule - and stick to it. Okay, the last part sounded suspiciously like a resolution, so scratch that. I'm just going to work on a better schedule.
Joanie! You get tomorrow off after all--way cool!
Karen H., welcome! We love having new buddies stop in.
p226--you're making me really regret that I was so late to the party yesterday. I'm sorry, but we really can't give you too many details. There's a code of silence in the lair. As for the bird, it'll do him good to be tossed around a little. He's getting just a little too full of himself, if you know what I mean. Nuked PB&J? Eeew!
Gillian, Happy New Year to you, too!
Kate, you're lucky indeed! That sounds like a wonderful dinner.
Danie, best of luck launching your blog--I forgot to say that earlier!
Susan wrote: This year I will do everything in my power to say only positive things about my own body in front of my children.
This is an excellent idea, Susan. So many girls have issues in this area. You're smart to think of this.
Trish, I'm a Coke person, too. Abhor Dr. Pepper--though my roommate some years ago had a crush on the guy in the commercial. As for toned arms, there are ways. None fun, alas. I'm shooting for that, too.
Margay, you and I agree about the resolutions vs. goals thing. I wish you luck with yours.
Anna, you're going into 2009 with a bang! Congratulations again. As for that video, I'm sure it would make excellent viewing when we gather in DC. Maybe you should make a copy to store in a secret undisclosed location.
Bwaa-haa-haa to you, too! *g*
Trish, I despise Dr. Pepper too. Heehee. Anything with artificial cherry? BLEEEEEECH!!!
A-nnnnnnn---a!!! There's VIDEO??? Ooooh, can't wait to see THAT...
Yeah, Margay! Happy soon-to-be-New Year! I love that goal, to get on a better schedule. I did pretty well with it last year and am going to up the ante this year on my resolu...er, goal. Ha! Thanks for being such a wonderful part of the Lair this year, and may 2009 bring FAB things for you.
Ambrosia? You have but to ask the Goddess Sangria...
POOF!
There you are m'dear and I threw in a demi-god for good measure
Um....I don't care for tea or coffee either
{ducking}
BUT I LOVE Diet Coke...for breakfast which according to SOME pollster is a uniquely Southern thing.
And biscuits. And gravy on the biscuits, and ummmmmmmm hush puppies...and...
Rats. There goes the hour I just spent at the gym!
No tea or coffee for you either JT? Hmmmmmm....
Oh, but Hush Puppies....(Yes, they deserve the capital letters.) Ooooooooh. There's this place in Lexington, NC that makes the best BBQ in the world and their hush puppies are slap-your-granny good.
Jeanne - My paternal grandparents were Scottish so I've been celebrating Hogmanay all my life.
Anna C - I know and love all the places you mention. Especially Skye. I haven't taken the train through Crianlarich because I always have my own car and drive everywhere. But I know the station there. Crianlarich is a crossroads to me. The A-82 runs right through it and if I'm heading north into the Highlands, I love the place. My heart thrills when I see it sign-posted because passing through Crianlarich means I'll soon be in the heart of the Highlands. But! If I'm heading south again, to the Glasgow airport and my leavetaking of Scotland, oh, man, then I dread nearing Crianlarich.
Favorite part of Scotland? The wild and remote far north. I have friends near Inverness and also some in the Cairngorms and so always spend time in both those areas. There isn't anywhere over there I'm not in love with, really. But above all, it's the far north - Sutherland - that holds my heart.
When I lift my dram tonight, I'll have a second toast to TEMPT THE DEVIL. Your books are brilliant and I can't wait to read this one.
I'll see if I can find something about the show on the net. Considering we don't lose the electricity here. We are having a bit of a storm right now.
Nancy - Ha ha ha. I actually hate cleaning. But I'm superstitious. Both my grandmothers - and supposedly their grannies as well -were 'house must be spic and span' on New Years devotees and 'woe be to the housewife caught with wash in the hamper or a speck of dust on a shelf.' Bad things happened to such hapless souls, so I beware.
Ok, not fummy. The power is out and the battery in my cell phone is low, so I'll look for the information about Dinner for Two next year.
Funny, not fummy...
Thanks, Jeanne! I wish that for everyone who visits the Lair, whether they're bloggers, commenters, or just here for the rooster. You ladies have made 2008 a fun and memorable year for me and I can't wait to see what you get up to in 2009! I think we're all in for a great ride.
Oh, Minna, sorry about the storm! We'll see you in the New Year then. :>
Margay, it's gonna be fun, whatever may come because we're in the Lair! Ha!
Oh, Crianlarich, you made me homesick for a place I've never even been. Sigh. I wanna go!!!
I'm sorry to post again, Banditas, but I just went to the mailbox and there beside the bills was my 12 Days of Christmas package! Wheeeee!
Thanks, thanks so much to all of you!!--I love all of it, but that rooster cookie cutter is the icing on the cake. I'm thinking GR cookies may be a new New Year's Day tradition. :)
Gillian, honey, you can post as often as you like! :> So glad you got the prezzie on one piece. Aren't those cutter just the thing? Enjoy!!! And thanks for being part of the Lair this year, if I didn't say it already. If I did, thanks twice as much...Ha!
I am loving reading everyones posts there is still lots of fun ahead.
p226 you crack me up love reading your posts.
It is now 8-00am and we are going to my daughters for the day and seeing as how they are predicting a really hot day 34 celsius I am sure the AC will be on when we get there it will be on in the car that is for sure.
A lot of Aussies spend today at the beach and have BBQs I think it will be too hot. For myself a relaxing day indoors will do me.
As for the fireworks on Sydney Harbour I have only ever watched them on TV they get so many people in the city you can barely move my eldest daughter used to go in every year at about 10-00am in the morning with friends to get a place to watch them from. They were saying on the radio yesterday that most of the best spots had been taken by 9-00am that morning too many people for me.
Have Fun
Helen
Ooh, a dram and a tempted devil - sounds like a good way to spend the evening! Thanks for that lovely comment, Crianlarich! I love that far north western corner of Scotland - it's quite bizarre looking, a lot of it, isn't it? The way those old mountains rise up out of the ground and loom. And the way the sea is always so close (mind you, half Scotland's water so that's not so unusual!). Have you been to Kylesku? Another unearthly sort of place. My other favorite bit is the west coast and the isles, especially Mull. I'm never sure if that's the Campbell ancestral memory coming to the fore. It's so beautiful, I can't imagine anyone not liking it! I had a couple of magical days at Morar just south of Mallaig with views of the small isles last time I was over. I've got the most amazing photos of that view - must put them on my website one day. Absolutely breathtaking - and I used to sit in the restaurant and watch the sun sink behind the hills on Rum every night. Absolutely magic!
Oh, dear, too much info? Sorry! Clearly I really AM pining for the Highlands!
I with Gillian, I also got my 12 days of Christmas gift today. The rooster is the bomb! I can truly say that I have the Golden Rooster in my house today and everyday from now own. I was also thinking about making some rooster cookies for New Years. I may just hang that rooster on my kitchen wall.
Thanks so much ladies!!!
Helen, I was up at the crack of dawn here and it was sweaty weather even then. Yuck! Queensland summer really can be unpleasant! You have a great day!
Hey, isn't the 12 days prize great? Congratulations again to all our winners!
Too many people for me too, Helen! But I think I will do NYCity at least once, some time. :> Glad you're having a great day!
Oh, yeah, Virginia, you too? Woohoo! The Rooster's in da house!
Anna, you're making me homesick too. The Fergusons were on the borders, but the Cairngorms are something I've always wanted to see...
I'm spending tonight working because I have a Jan. 1 deadline, and I have procrastinated to the superlative degree. I have to skip the New Year's Day family football gathering at my brother's for the same reason. No corn bread, ham, black eyed peas and greens for me this year.
My resolution for the new year is to be more disciplined in every area of my life. Then maybe I can guiltlessly party at the end of 2009.
Jeanne, you do know that if you get a group of Southerners arguing about the best barbecue, the argument could still be going on Dec. 31, 2009. LOL!
Jeanne - The up side of having never been to Scotland is that you haven't yet experienced the wrench that it is to have to leave. It's deadly, trust me.
Anna C - Yes, I know Kylesku. Amazing place and your description is so apt. Sort of a moon landscape around there, isn't it? Of course, the stones there are about as old as old gets and the layer of earth is so thin in places. Sometimes I swear you can feel the earth breathing beneath your feet. Shivers! But the good kind. Big sigh...
I'm with you on loving the Hebrides, too. That's where my family hails from. Those isles are magical. Even the light is different there. Sort of soft and luminous and ever changing.
Ah, well, you've got me pining now, too. And work deadlines will keep me away until May, possibly into June, depending. And I try to avoid summer as I prefer less tourist-crowded times.
Think I'll be looking through all my photos tonight, too. But that'll just worsen the ache!
Crianlarich, do you want to know something amazing? That part of the world reminds me of the far south western corner of Western Australia here (another breathtaking place to visit and I suspect you'd like it!). Turns out that way back at the dawn of time, those two parts of the world were actually connected and one bit went south and one bit went north. Both places have that feeling of age and timelessness you get in Kylesku. Actually do you know Smoo's Cave up near Dunnet's Head? I always wanted to write a Viking romance using that setting!
You know, I'm utterly pathetic, but I always cry when I leave Scotland! It's so sappy!
Both places have that feeling of age and timelessness you get in Kylesku
Sounds like the making of a PARANORMAL to me!
Joan, that corner of Scotland really can be quite eerie. It's hard to explain the atmosphere adequately.
Anna C - Wow, I am amazed. I did not know this - that any part of Australia resembled that part of Scotland. Wow. Nor did I know the land masses were once connected. I've heard that the Appalachians here were supposedly once connected to Western Ireland, so it doesn't surprise me. Fascinating topic.
Yes, I know Smoo Cave. Very well. I always go there when I am up that way. Mystical, magical place. Ooooh, yeah. I had a dog attach himself to me there once. He followed me everywhere and seemed all alone. -I love dogs!!- He even tried to hop in my car. I walked around with him for hours until he finally nipped in at a remote croft house. I was so relieved as I would not have left the area without him and would probably still be there today if he hadn't finally gone home. Of course, there are worse things than being stuck at Smoo Cave.
As you mention Vikings, I'm sure you know of the young Viking that was buried very close to there? At Durness? I, too, am fond of Viking lore. Impossible to love Scottish and Hebridean history and not be. It's all so tightly entwined. All so fascinating. Don't get me started on Shetland and Orkney....
Anyway, I would dearly love to see your Australian "Scotland." I've only been to Darwin.
Otherwise, Banditas ... THANK YOU for my Christmas booty which I just discovered in the mailbox. Yay!! What a lovely way to wrap up the year. I -love- the golden rooster cookie cut-out. He's adorable. And sugar cookie mix!!! Now I'll have something to make tomorrow extra-special. Thanks for all the other goodies, too. I'm thrilled.
Because of my little dog being afraid of fireworks noise, we stay home on New Years, so your Bandita Booty is the highlight of my night.
Thanks so much!
Hey, Crianlarich, are you on Facebook? I'd like to continue basking in our endless nostalgia for Scotland!
And no, I didn't know about the young Viking!
Happy New Year to those in Australia and all points where the new year has begun already!!
Jeane what a fun post about New Year's around the world.
I have my own tradition for New Years. Since hubby and I love football, which we watch all day New Years, (which was much cooler before the dang BCS series ruined it), and I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, I usually volunteer to work on New Year's Eve.
Feel sorry for me? Don't.
Over the past.....(29) years, I've helped many a first baby (designated by county) into the world.
Now THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is a FANTASTIC way to start the new year!!
I worked the millenium New Years, and my husband and kids all came to the hospital to wish me a Happy New Year. That was a fantastic surprise!
(Besides, we rarely go out on the rare year I have New Years Eve off.)
Hi Janga! Happy New Year! Hey, you're right about the BBQ. There's another BBQ place near Chapel Hill...oooohhhh, yum. And in Atlanta...Oh, and Charleston. But the hushpuppies.
And what do you mean, no football? You've got to eat, deadline or no deadline. :>
Crianlarich and Anna, drat you!! I can't budget for Scotland yet...And I feel a wrench thinking about it, Crianlarich. And now that I know what your screen name means...Yep, I'll be thinking about it. Oh, I love that thought of the old hills, and the great kind of shivers.
Anna, I'm sure I'll cry when I go and leave too! :>
Och, Aye Anna! Lurve that country.
Crianlarich! You got your booty too - isn't that cookie cutter cool?
SUZ!!! Happy New Year! I love the comment about the babies. SO fun! I adore New Year's babies. (Or any babies, for that matter)
Anna C - Nooo, I'm not on Facebook. Not on Myspace. Don't blog or anything. I'm way too Internet-shy and private for any suchlike. This blog is one of the very few I glance at and about the only one I post on. Because you're all such a friendly and fun group.
I'd love to blether with you about Scotland. Sounds like we have a lot in common. I'll email you privately.
Jeanne - You'll get there, no worries! There's an invisible cord that binds all of us - the Diaspora Scots - with the Auld Hameland. Sooner or later that fierce pull brings you home, no matter how many oceans and years lie between.
And, yes, you'll cry ... when you get there and worse when you leave.
I always do. Leaving guts me.
The golden rooster cut-out is darling. He's staying on my desk for good luck - when he's not in use, of course. Thank you again so much!
Now it is almost midnight in Scotland - I'm off to phone my Highland friends!
Slainte! Happy New Year!
Crianlarich, we're so happy you chose us to chat with! Yeah! We're glad you're here.
Crianlarich said: There's an invisible cord that binds all of us - the Diaspora Scots - with the Auld Hameland. Sooner or later that fierce pull brings you home, no matter how many oceans and years lie between.
SO true! It calls, always. Those of us in the Carolinas of Scots descent hear that wild skirling call quite frequently!
Crianlarich and Anna, I'm enjoying reading over your posts. I've traveled some in Scotland but not a lot. Like Jeanne, I'd like to spend more time there. My mother's family were MacGills, MacQueens and Finlaysons. Castle Sween, the old MacQueen seat, is a ruin now, but I'd like to see it. And browse in the geneaology (sp?) archives at Skye.
Crianlarich, you mentioned the Appalachians, which run through NC, of course, which led me to think about an NC author whose books I inherited from my grandmother via my mother. Which is a very roundabout way of asking if you've read The Scotswoman by Inglis Fletcher. It's about Flora McDonald during the Revolutinary War. It's out of print, but there are used copies floating around.
Michele, welcome to the "seldom stick with resolutions" club! Your plan sounds like a good one, though I find that inertia often gets in my way.
Trish, we'll allow you the tea aberration. How are you on grits? I love them--if they're not cold.
Don't tease the cabana boys. They're badly hung over today. And they had to do all the cleanup, which was "beneath" the gladiators.
Sorry, Jeanne, but I LOVE Cherry Coke and Cherry Coke Zero. (The cherry helps cover the "zero" taste elements).
Janga, good luck with the project.
Pat--ambrosia! My aunt used to make the best ambrosia. I always looked forward to it at family gatherings. Happy New Year to you, too!
Gillian, there's no limit on postings, really. The more, the merrier! :-) Glad you and Virginia liked the prize packages.
Margay, thanks very much. We're so glad you like it here.
Suz, I also love the comment on first babies. I hope you get one tonight!
We don't do a whole lot on New Year's Eve--maybe we'll watch the ball drop on TV ;)
Happy 2009, Banditas and buddies!
Congrats, Virginia!
Hi Fedora! Happy New Year!! So glad you dropped by.
Just wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!yahoo.com
I got my prize today, too! The golden rooster will not be cutting any cookies, though -- he's hanging from my desk lamp with my air freshener cherries that symbolize another group I have ties to. I love the bookmarks and especially the Romance Bandits pin! It's like winning the lottery! Thank you all so much!
Hi Dina! Happy New Year!
TreeThyme, you too? Wow, the mail fairies were working overtime today. :> Glad you like it.
Fedora and Dina, thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year to you, too!
Treethyme, glad you liked the prize. Duchesse actually did all the mailings, so it's nice that they're arriving on her blog day.
I'm not a huge Kathy Griffin fan, but I did like the byplay between her and Anderson Cooper last year on New Year's Eve. I hear they're both on CNN this year, too, so we'll probably check that out.
That is a fun coincidence, isn't it, Nancy? :> I'm getting to share the goodies all over again. :>
I got my prize today also - and that would be one heck of a cookie if I used the cutter!
Hey Margay! You too? Wow! :> Too cool. Yep, they are substantial roosters, just like the GR. Grins.
How many of you are going to stay awake until midnight? I think I just may make it this year. Of course, it helps that the neighbors have been shooting off fireworks for the past two hours which results in 75 pounds of quivering dog being in my lap.
I just put the finishing touches on my black eyed peas and they are mmmm mmmm yummy. I make mine with a tomato broth, ham, onions and various seasonings. Verrrry good. All I'll have to do tomorrow is make the cornbread and I'll be ready to feast.
Time to get back to the basketball game. Hope everyone enjoys a safe and fun New Year's Eve and a fabulous start to 2009!
tomato sauce, PJ? Yum! *off to check the pantry*
My oldest son and his cousins are having a Wii bowling tournament downstairs. One of the cousins is asleep, my youngest is asleep, and my DH is fading fast. Ha!
I'll probably stay up...
Sorry about the quivering pup though. The fireworks aren't close enough here to effect my dogs. I've got three in the house right now - all over 60 pounds - and two like to be lap "puppies" Urg. My friend's Golden Retriever lurves to climb into my lap. My "new guy" Diver, the Irish Water Spaniel is a lap pup too. The old man of the bunch, my 12 y/o Dalmatian deigns to climb into the chair, usually if he thinks Diver or Skylar (the golden) are getting all the attention!
Okay, I just reread that. What's the diff between tomato sauce and tomato broth?
Oh, wow, they've just announced that most of the Metro DC fireworks have been cancelled because of high wind. We've got pretty steady wind and gusts up to 50 mph. Brrrrrrrr!
Hi all,
Firstly, everyone, best wishes towards acheiving all your resolutions / goals this year! Would be great to come back here again in a years time and be able to reflect on how everyone started the year.
As for me, well, I've already got a list that I started (30 things to do before I'm 30...which started on my 29th birthday and includes quite a few writing related goals), so that is going to take me through till September. However apart from that, my resolution is really to take more risks - or rephrased, create / take up more opportunities and see where they lead!
All the best for 2009,
Joanne xx
Jeanne,
I'd heard early in the evening that
it could get pretty windy tonight in DC. Had no idea it was going to be so bad, with fireworks it could get rather dangerous!
Just want to wish everyone a Happy
New Year and a more prosperous 2009.
God bless America!!
Pat Cochran
Hi Joanne! Happy New Year! The Lair's a wonderful place for those kind of resolutions...let's write it, babe! Grins.
Pat, I couldn't agree more, God Bless America and WOOHOOOOOO 2009!
Oh, Joanne, I should have said it's a great place for risks too! :> You GO girl!
WOOOOHOOOO!!! Happy New Year, Banditas!! Happy New Year Everyone!
Nancy - You have a fine and ancient lineage. I've been to Castle Sween and it's remarkable. The 'big draws' like Edinburgh and Stirling Castles or Holyrood, Glamis, etc... are all must sees to be sure, but it's the ruined ones that hold the most atmosphere. The past beats strongest in such places where you're often alone when visiting, without scores of others traipsing about such as at the above-mentioned castles. I hope you get to Sween soon.
No, I have not heard of Inglis Fletcher or her book. I'll certainly look for it. I'm very aware of NC's strong ties to Scotland. I imagine Scots felt 'at home' there because the land is so very similar. Not to mention the mist.
Thank you so much for the book tip. I hope I can find a copy. I've been to Flora MacDonald's grave as I am sure you have as well. It is very close to Duntulm, a favorite Skye ruin of mine. Whenever I spend time at Dunmtulm, I visit her grave as well.
Now I've seen the ball drop in NY -my own time zone, too - so I am off to bed now. I'm going to go Anna C's route and begin the New Year with an early and productive day tomorrow. So it's time to catch some zzzzz's.
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Jeanne, I cook the peas in water with some chicken bouillon, chopped onion and ham then stir in tomato paste and season with salt, pepper, hot sauce and a little Worcestershire and, if necessary, a little sugar.
We have no NY's day food traditions, so I'm stealing PJ's black-eyed peas recipe. Adding glazed ham, roasted yukon gold potatoes, and some cooked spinach.
Off to soak some peas.
here is the link to my book blog that launches today!
http://confessionsofaromancebookaddict.wordpress.com/
Hope to see you all there!
PJ, those are my kind of beans! Ham makes all beans taste better. Matter of fact, I'm soaking some country ham right now to add to my collard greens. I think I'll just fry the rest and enjoy it with...sauerkraut. You know you're Southern when you have country ham and kraut! It's that Scottish/German/Southern thing. I guess the buttermilk cornbread is the nod to my many Cherokee ancestors? *g*
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