Friday, December 31, 2010

Auld Lang Syne....

by Jeanne Adams

First, on behalf of ALL the Romance Bandits, let me wish you a safe, happy New Year's Eve!

If you're traveling today or tonight, partying, playing, or just staying home with your honey to watch the live festivities on the TV, may it be fun, cozy, happy, sexy, loving, delicious and fabulous, all rolled into one ROCKIN' New Year's Eve!

So what ARE you planning tonight?

I'd like to say we're planning some ritzy, party-filled evening here in DC, but alas, t'isn't so. We're going to pop over to a neighbor's house for a pot luck which should be fun. And my eldest wants to stay up till midnight, but other than making popcorn for him, and making sure our scared-of-fireworks dog has her last outing BEFORE midnight, we'll be homebodies, doin' nuthin' special. Grins.

I have to confess that one of these years, maybe when my boys are a bit older, I'll plan something spectacular for New Years. I'm not big on crowds, so probably NOT Times Square, but, perhaps the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel, just me and the darling hubby. Get a suite, bottle of champagne, great view of the Capitol fireworks....

Yeaaaaaaah. I'd love that.

Or maybe one year we'll take the boys and go skiing somewhere delicious, like Tahoe, or Aspen or up in British Columbia where the Olympics were this winter. (This would be predicated on a big contract, winning the lottery or some such, but hey, it's my imagination and I can make it whatever I want, right?) We'd spend the day skiing, have a great dinner, then "retire" to the lodge bar for toddies and a view out the big glass windows of the fireworks over the slopes.

Another cool New Years Eve celebration to me, would be to be at a Disney Resort for New Years Eve. Again, not big on the crowds, but I think it would probably be an amazing show, all things considered. After seeing the "regular day" fireworks there this summer, when we were there for RWA National, I can only imagine how fabulous a special event set of fireworks would be. Wow...

The ski vacation notwithstanding, I usually like to be home on New Years Eve. So I guess another fantasy event would be to host a huge, fabulous, Bandita-filled New Year's event at my house.

Since I'm fantasizing here that no one would have to work on New Years (Suz!) and everyone could travel here to DC, I'd get everyone in by plane, train or automobile, get some limos lined up, and just have one big "Throw down" for the whole crew.

Talk about a party! I'm not sure my neighbors could survive a Bandita Party in the 'hood. I'd have to be sure and invite them all so they didn't call the cops when the music got too loud, and the shield sledding started. (My hill isn't quite what the hill behind the Lair is, but it'll do nicely.)

Then there's the Lair. Oh. My. Goodness.

Given the usual state of the Lair, post-party - especially launch parties - I'm thinking it would be dangerous, and ill-advised to turn Sven and the guys (not to mention The Goddess Sangria!) loose in the Lair for a party on New Years Eve. Ermingarde would probably want to have a flaming boulder drop instead of a ball-drop. Then again, a toga-and-trouser-drop at midnight might be on tap (so to speak!) if Sangria had anything to do with the festivities. *shaking head, glad it isn't happening!*

We don't have a lot of rules around The Lair, as most of you know. The Lair's a pretty...flexible...environment. Grins. However, anything that might cause:

1.) Destruction of said Lair;
2) Discovery of said Lair as the den of iniquity it really is;
3) The Police to be Called (see #2);
4) Seriously annoy the dragon (see #5);
or 5) Thereby cause Fire, or Pestilence, or overall bleeding OR
6) Disruption of the Deadline-driven, Cave-dwelling Writers is HIGHLY frowned upon.

Hence, no New Years Eve celebration IN the Lair. Can you imagine it? Eeeek!

Just. Too. Dangerous. (Snork.)

Now, you've heard some of my ideas about where I'D like to spend a fabulous New Years, what about you?

Going out? Party? Planned or spontaneous?

Staying in? Party or going to bed before ten?

What's the New Years Eve Dream Destination for you? The Bahamas? Turkey? London? New York? Brussels? Honolulu? Or your hometown, with the guy you crushed on in high school?

Hey, it's your fantasy too...whatcha' got? Sexy? Skiing? Fine wine and food? Bubbly? A boat ride, cruise, or other destination vacation?

And what's the absolute BEST New Years you've ever had? Mine was the year I got married to the DH...the last New Years as "just a couple" rather than parents. Pretttty coooool. *wiggles eyebrows*

And the best movie with a New Years scene? For me, the New Year's scene at the end of The Holiday (Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet); and Queen Latifah in Last Holiday. That black evening suit, with the black bow in her hair, when she thinks she's gonna die....perfect. LOVE that movie!

Okay, ladies and gents, let's DISH about YOUR New Years Eve!!! (Reality optional)

81 comments:

Helen said...

Is he coming to my place

have Fun
Helen

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey! Helen! Happy New Year! It's already heading toward Jan 1 there, isn't it? :>

Helen said...

Whoo Hoo the GR hubby and I (and the scared of fireworks dog Brandy) will be staying in and watching the 9-00pm fireworks on the TV from Sydney Harbour then the big ones at midnight we have some nibblies and a bottle of Rickadonna and a few bottles of beer it is going to be a great night in.

One of these days I would love to stay in one of the big hotels in the City and watch the fireworks from there they really are spectacular over Sydney Harbour but there are just way too many people for me to be jostled around they started arriving in the City this morning about 7-00am to get a good spot along the Harbour foreshores not for me.

Then of course another dream New Years for me would be cruising the Pacific Ocean on a cruise ship now that would be an awesome way to see the new year in.

I can't think of any movies that I have seen in regards to the New Year but then I don't watch a lot of TV or movies these days LOL.

Happy New Year to everyone stay safe and have lots of fun.

Have Fun
Helen

Helen said...

Jeanne

As I type this it is 4-30pm on New Years Eve so not much of 2010 left and there are litterally thousands of people already in the City lined up around the harbour waiting for the fireworks tonight.

Although it is soo hot here at the moment it is around 38c and New Years Day we are ecpecting temperatures of around 41c so I think I would like to be in Washington where it is cooler and join in the Bandits New Years party that would be a blast

Have Fun
Helen

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Helen, it sounds like a divine way to spend the New Year! You've obviously got one of those scared-of-fireworks dogs too. Grins.

Love the thought of cruising the Pacific. Ahhhh. Aunty Cindy, have you done that for New Years?

And, like you, the big hotel at New Years, yes. The crowds outside? No.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

It would be fun, to have a Bandit Party in DC for New Years, wouldn't it? Grins. What a riot! Snork. They might actually have to get the riot gear out of storage. Hahahah! All our fans are so rowdy, you know. Grins.

It's to be 60 degrees farenheit here on New Years day - a veritable heat wave! - then back into the ice locker next week. It'll be a welcome break from the icy wind and cold temps. We've not had a lot of snow yet (the blizzard missed us, drat it) but we're sure to get some soon. *crosses fingers*

RFTC Blog said...

For some reason New Years is never really a big deal to me. I don't know why. I have never really done anything spectacular over the years. Usually I just sit at home with my boyfriend. This year I plan to stay home by myself since the boyfriend has to work late. Wow, I sound so sad.
Jeanne, I used to work at the Magic Kingdom and the fireworks on New Years is awesome. If you ever do make it down here for New Years you should definitely check them. They put the summer fireworks show to shame.

Happy New Years everyone.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Danielle! Doesn't sound sad at all. Like I said, I LIKE to be home for New Years. Then I have the option - I can stay up late and watch people sing badly, since it's cold outside and their instrument and voices aren't used to it - I can go to bed, I can open bubbly or just make popcorn and read a good book whilst the household snooooozes. Grins. Staying in is fun.

Trust me, sometimes the best New Years for me is going to bed at ten and rising to face a new year completely refreshed!

Donna MacMeans said...

Congrats on the GR, Helen. Be sure to watch him around the bubbly. He's got to be in flying shape after the stroke of midnight.

My husband and I like to head out dancing on New Year's Eve - you know, work off all those Christmas cookies? However, so many mini-crisies occured in December that we failed to make reservations in time. Looks like we'll do a movie (The King's Speech), go to bed, and when the firecrackers go off in the neighborhood, exchange a kiss and then back to sleep. i know - really exciting stuff (grin).

You know, Helen - I wouldn't mind seeing the fireworks over Sydney Harbor myself. I guess if I were fantasizing about the best place to spend New Years, it would be in some exotic location, in a luxury hotel - but that is pure fantasy.

I'm up for a bandita party on New Year's Eve at your place, Jeanne - though we might have to make it a block party with our entourage. (grin)

Happy New Year's Everyone!

Fedora said...

My dream New Year's Eve? I think I'd envision one where DH and I are off on a warm tropical island somewhere, where we can enjoy a quiet evening of something fine to eat, some time to snuggle and talk and do some private celebrating :)

Happy New Year, Helen! Make that rooster behave ;)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Donna said: You know, Helen - I wouldn't mind seeing the fireworks over Sydney Harbor myself. I guess if I were fantasizing about the best place to spend New Years, it would be in some exotic location, in a luxury hotel - but that is pure fantasy.

I'm up for a bandita party on New Year's Eve at your place, Jeanne - though we might have to make it a block party with our entourage. (grin)


Hey Donna! I think a luxury Sydney Harbor hotel sounds pretty exotic. Grins. And come on down! We can make it a block party...my neighbors are always up for a block party.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Fedora said: My dream New Year's Eve? I think I'd envision one where DH and I are off on a warm tropical island somewhere, where we can enjoy a quiet evening of something fine to eat, some time to snuggle and talk and do some private celebrating :)

Ohhhhhh yeah. Sounds like heaven - not with your husband, but with mine....wait...you know what I mean. Grins.

Hope you get to do that sometime soon!

Deb said...

My dream New Year's would be a trip to a tropical island....My SIL is visiting her son and DIL in the Marshall Islands right now and the pics and statuses she has put on FB make me want to visit such a paradise.

In reality? Well, my husband doesn't like to go anywhere on NYE, and if we do, he likes to be home before 11 p.m. He's always been cautious this way on NYE, so we will most likely stay home. Since Shary likes sparkling grape juice, we'll have that and cheese and crackers. Woo hoo, how exciting. :)

Jane said...

Happy New Year. I'll be going to my cousin's house. He's having a little get together and I guess we'll watch the ball drop on TV. I'm not adventurous enough to head on over to Times Square to watch it live. Don't think I could handle that huge crowd. I wouldn't ringing in the new year in Hawaii or France with some bubbly.

Congrats on the GR, Helen.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Deb! My DH isn't fond of driving on NYE either. :> Hence the "get a suite" deal I mentioned as a dream-date-NYE. Grins. THat means a babysitter willing to be here through the night...yeah, that'll happen!

Hope you enjoy it though, grape juice and all.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oooh, Jane, wouldn't France be a DIVINE place to ring in the new year? That would just be outstanding.

Grins.

Enjoy your cousin's tonight and take care going home

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Gals, I'm up waaaaay past my bedtime. Better tuck in so I'll be good to go for tomorrow.

Nitey-night and see you Aussies in the New Year, and the rest of ya'll on New Year's eve....

SiNn said...

honetsly im staying homehangin out with my fiance on line i dont drink and large crowds suck for me so i stay home my dream place to be any time even newyears would have to be Ireland with my fiancee or in our room on new years hey im not choosy

Unknown said...

You have him again Helen... will be up to have a drink with him.

DH and I are having a quiet New years eve at home.... it is 7.30pm here so not long to wait.... we are going to watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the TV and then the Fireworks from Sydney Harbour

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Happy New Year Banditas and BBs. My group and I have to work today and the rest of the office is off, Donna I figure you know what the deal is, end of month, end of year so we have to close. We will all be off Monday instead. There was talk of a New Year's party tonight but I talked BF out of it, just a quiet night at my house, got a little wine, some snackies and the tube. My BF and I met on New Year's Eve 6 years ago. My son is heading to a friend's house today so they will be gaming all night, he gets a kick out of playing games with peeps from England, it is just amazing to him.

gamistress66 said...

A quiet New Year's eve here. Got the day off work (Yea!) so starting a long wknd. Weather's t/b nice (50's & sunny, a nice change from the freezing cold we've had all month) so will take my mom, who's visiting, to see Norman Rockwell exhibit downtown followed by nice late lunch/early dinner. Then it's back home for the evening (away from all the nutty folks out & about) to see in the new year with the required pork & kraut for luck. :)

Hope everone has a fab (& safe) time no matter what they do to see in the new year. Wishing all a great 2011 filled with only good things.

gamistress66 said...

a bandita party in DC -- not sure the city could handle it :) The secret service, homeland securtiy, FBI & other area initial would prob get all ansy if they've heard about bandita parties ;) Special congressional hearings may even have to be called in an attempt to find out about it. ;)

Gillian Layne said...

Happy New Year! We'll be hanging out here at home, watching movies and playing games.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year.... we are now into 2011 downunder

pjpuppymom said...

Happy New Year's Eve, Jeanne and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all you Banditas and Buddies from OZ!

I'll be spending tonight with friends. Florida State plays South Carolina and we have fans/students from both schools gathering for what's sure to be a very "lively" evening of football, food and fun!

As for my fantasy New Years, I love the idea of a Bandita/Buddies party! The location really wouldn't matter (though someplace warm would be lovely). It's the people that count. What fun that would be!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi SiNn! I loved your response. You said: My dream place to be any time, even new years would have to be Ireland with my fiancee or in our room on new years hey I'm not choosy

Grins.

Best place to be on any day is with someone you love, doing something fun...even if that's nothing at all. But knowing affianced couples...Yeah, you'll be busy. Snork.

And Ireland? LOVE me some Ireland.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Barb said: we are going to watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the TV and then the Fireworks from Sydney Harbour

HAPPY NEW YEAR! To all our friends and BB's in Aus!

Hey, how were the fireworks? You'll have to tell us when you're awake. I'm thinkin' it's the wee sma' hours of Jan 1 over in Aus right now.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Dianna! You said: Donna I figure you know what the deal is, end of month, end of year so we have to close. We will all be off Monday instead. There was talk of a New Year's party tonight but I talked BF out of it, just a quiet night at my house, got a little wine, some snackies and the tube.

How cool that you and the BF met on New Years! Fun "anniversary" for you both. You're another Stay-In-er. Grins.

I'm wincing for you, over having to work. My DH is a big finance muckty-muck and he and his staff are also hard at work with year-end, month-end, payroll, and budgets. Urg.

Better ya'll than me. Simple math? I'm aces. Dual-column accounting, with receivables and all that? Dreadful.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

BTW, Dianna, I'm as delighted as your son about the fact that I can "talk" to people in Aus, or the UK or the Ukraine or Bali, here on the computer in real time. It amazes me. And it's so fun to know that our Aus Bandita Buddies are already in January. Snork. They're such over-achievers! HAHAHAH!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Gamistress said: to see in the new year with the required pork & kraut for luck. :)

Hope everone has a fab (& safe) time no matter what they do to see in the new year. Wishing all a great 2011 filled with only good things.


Absolutely! May 2011 be a ROCKIN' year for all the Bandits, Bandita Buddies, and the world in general. Grins.

We'll have black-eyed peas for luck 'round here. No offense to you, but I despise 'kraut. Bleeeech.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Gillian! Sounds like a fun night, watching movies and playing games. Will you stay up for the actual "turn of the year?"

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

PJ said: Florida State plays South Carolina and we have fans/students from both schools gathering for what's sure to be a very "lively" evening of football, food and fun!

Oh, my. The only uniting factor will be those who despise Spurrier. Snork. That's a heck of a party and lively is a goooood word for it! Haaha! Have fun, PJ!

And you're right, no matter where we hold it, in the Lair, in the street, on the beach or at the ski lodge, a Bandit/Buddy party would just rock the house (lodge, beach, etc.) We know how to party right, 'round here! Grins.

We'd be sure to give you plenty of notice so you could make turtles. Grins. And Joan too, so she could make those divine chocolate chip cookies of hers.

Yum.

Margay Leah Justice said...

I absolutely LOVE that scene in The Holiday! Funny, that just so happens to be one of my favorite Christmas movies, too. Coincidence? As for New Year's plans, I always stay in. I'm not one for the big parties. I prefer to stay in, watch the ball drop from home, then tumble into bed.
Margay

Joan said...

if Sangria had anything to do with the festivities. *shaking head, glad it isn't happening!*

You think it is not, mortal?

Tsk, tsk....(signals Demetrius to heft another bag of confetti into the rafters)

Joan said...

Happy New Years everyone!!!!!

I'm always on the quiet side of NYE celebrations. Several years ago, I did go to my friend's house that has the the three little girls. All under 6 at the time and everyone stayed up till midnight!

This year, I'll have the kitties to help me ring it in. We have streamers and everything, LOL


A Bandit/Buddy blowout would be awesome. If not that then WDW would be my choic1

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Margay! Isn't that the best movie? I know the critics didn't like it, but I do. Gotta say that Eli Wallach just about steals that movie. LOVE HIM in it. :> He's so wry and funny and great.

I'm with you, Margay, on the staying in. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Goddess Sangria said: You think it is not, mortal?

Tsk, tsk....(signals Demetrius to heft another bag of confetti into the rafters)


Uh-oh.

Those in the writing caves, take heed and warning....

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Joan said: This year, I'll have the kitties to help me ring it in. We have streamers and everything, LOL

Kittens + streamers = fun! Grins. So glad you have the babes to help you ring in the New Year, JT. And yes, wouldn't Walt Disney World be delicious on New Years?

Danielle was posting that she used to work there and that the fireworks at New Years put the summer ones to shame. I'd SO love that since I was pretty impressed with the summer ones! Ha!

Margay Leah Justice said...

Jeanne, I don't care what the critics say, I absolutely adored that movie. There are just so many good things about it and the chemistry between all of the major players was just insane - I loved them together.
Margay

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Jeanne! Happy New Year's Eve! We're not doing much, just playing cards with friends while the kids tear up the basement. Between us & the handful of other couples we'll be with, there have to be over a dozen kids.

As for my dream New Years, though? It would involve sparkly dresses, dancing--real dancing--to a big, beautiful orchestra, & a lavish kiss at the start of the new year. Throw in beloved old friends & a good babysitter & I couldn't ask for anything more.

Stay safe tonight, everybody!

Joan said...

Warning indeed, she who is called Duchesse.

Attendance is expected (thunder) ambrosia, margharitas and of course sangria will be in abundance.

Each party goer will be assigned a designated cabana boy complete with festive hats and those irritating mortal noise makers.
(BLARE) (more thunder) Pablo....put DOWN that horn!!!!


I am told dropping a ball is customary. Thus will I select a Bandit or Buddy to be placed in the large clear sphere of Zeus with their choice of the resident male servants.

As with all things Sangria, the ultimate choice will most likely be on my whim, but convince me mortals. Why you and WHO do you choose?

jo robertson said...

First, a wonderful Happy New Year to all the Banditas and Bandita Buddies! May 2011 be the stuff of your dreams!

Congrats, Helen, celebrate wildly with the wooster!

We'll just stay home and watch the festivities on TV, have a few treats.

New Years Eve became fun for us when our kids were old enough to leave alone and we didn't have to scrounge up a sitter. We'd buy goodies for the kids to have their own little celebrates, hats, noise makers, sparkling cider, and lots of junk food. They had no bedtime and loved it! We always found them asleep in front of the TV when we came home after midnight.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Margay said: Jeanne, I don't care what the critics say, I absolutely adored that movie. There are just so many good things about it and the chemistry between all of the major players was just insane - I loved them together.


I KNOW!! I love it too, for all the same reasons. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Susan said: As for my dream New Years, though? It would involve sparkly dresses, dancing--real dancing--to a big, beautiful orchestra, & a lavish kiss at the start of the new year. Throw in beloved old friends & a good babysitter & I couldn't ask for anything more.

Ohhhhhh, yeah! I would love this too, Susan! The cards and dozen kids tearing up the basement has a lot of appeal too, I must say, but just once, or every now and again...yeah, dresses, orchestra - the whole deal. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Sangria said: I am told dropping a ball is customary. Thus will I select a Bandit or Buddy to be placed in the large clear sphere of Zeus with their choice of the resident male servants.

As with all things Sangria, the ultimate choice will most likely be on my whim, but convince me mortals. Why you and WHO do you choose?


Oh, my. Male Lair guy of my choice? Lucien. Or Demetrius. Or...well, heck, Sven! He can give me a massage as we float down in the Sphere of Zeus!

Love it. ANd I'll look forward to seeing you at 11:45, Oh, Goddess Sangria!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Jo! You said: New Years Eve became fun for us when our kids were old enough to leave alone and we didn't have to scrounge up a sitter. We'd buy goodies for the kids to have their own little celebrates, hats, noise makers, sparkling cider, and lots of junk food. They had no bedtime and loved it! We always found them asleep in front of the TV when we came home after midnight.

Oh, how fun! And something for us parents-of-young-kids to look forward to! Babysitters are SO expensive and hard to get on New Years Eve. And with no handy-dandy grandparents to call...yeah, budget buster! Grins.

PinkPeony said...

It's going to be a quiet New Year's Eve. Good cheese, smoked salmon and a good movie. But one of these decades, I'd love to stay in a swanky hotel and get dressed up and listen to my husband complain about how tight his pants are. :)

Happy New Year's Everyone!

Congrats on the GR, Helen. I guess he's ringing the New Year in the southern hemisphere this year!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Pink! What a nice New Year celebration you've planned. Low key is cool, and smoked salmon is yummy. :>

You said: But one of these decades, I'd love to stay in a swanky hotel and get dressed up and listen to my husband complain about how tight his pants are. :)


SNORK! Sounds like - barring the pants thing - several of us would like to do this at least once. :>

Christie Kelley said...

We'll have a quiet New Year's eve here. I have some snack food for nibbling but no champagne. My dh doesn't like it and I certainly can't drink an entire bottle. So I'll open a bottle of wine to celebrate.

My oldest will go out so it will just be dh, 13 yr old and me. We have a movie to watch and then we'll wait for the ball to drop before heading to bed.

I would love to go to NYC and see the ball drop from a hotel window (I hate crowds). Or the display from Sydney looked awesome. That would be cool too.

Happy New Year to all of you!

catslady said...

We will be going to dinner at a Japanese steak house with 15 friends and family and then seeing a movie (The Little Fockers won the majority) and then maybe some bubbly. My favorite movie of the year was Avatar. I too would love to be on a cruise for New Years!

Cassondra said...

Helen, Woot!

Cassondra said...

Okay lessee..

This is one holiday for which I have no amazing, awesome memories. No "Best of"--I usually go to bed when I get tired, and let the ball drop without me (Amazingly, it seems to go right on without my attendance.)

I'm sick AGAIN...this is the third time since Thanksgiving. Steve and I are just passing the bug back and forth. So I ain't goin' nowhere. There will be an awesome wine tasting tonight--all sparkling wines of course--and I won't get to taste. :0(

Lessee...If I could have a s suite with a balcony OVER Times Square to watch the ball drop, I might want to do that someday. I don't know if there is such a thing. I don't like to be in the middle of huge crowds either.

The Disney fireworks do sound wonderful. Might have to do that someday.

I most always pop a bottle of bubbly for that evening. Steve takes two sips and I drink the rest of it. Hic.

Hopefully I'll get to do that this year. I have my bottle all ready.

Helen said...

Happy New Year Everyone

Yes it is now just after 6-00am on New Years Day and very quiet in the neibourhood seeing as how there were so many fireworks being let off until around 2-00am this morning the dog is still shaking LOL.

The fireworks on Sydney Harbour were again totally amazing at
9-00pm and at midnight and I have decided that one New Years eve I would love to be on one of the cruisers on the harbour but they are really pricey LOL

Have Fun
Helen

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Christie! You said: I would love to go to NYC and see the ball drop from a hotel window (I hate crowds). Or the display from Sydney looked awesome. That would be cool too.

Exactly! :> The bottle of wine and movie sounds good.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Catslady! The Japanese steakhouse sounds great, especially with 15 people! Grins.

You said: My favorite movie of the year was Avatar. I too would love to be on a cruise for New Years!

Wasn't it cool?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Cassondra!! So sorry to hear that you're sick again. *pout* It's always SUCH a pain to be sick at the Holidays. And it's also so hard to get well when you're passing the bug back and forth like that. Urg. Vitamin C! Airborne! Red meat! Wine! (That would be my recipe for getting better. Snork)

YOu said: Lessee...If I could have a s suite with a balcony OVER Times Square to watch the ball drop, I might want to do that someday.

Yep. That's the only way I'll ever see the ball drop in NYC live. I do NOT want to be in the crowd. Urg. That's the only time I'm claustrophobic is in a tight crowd like that. I'd be a failure as a hard rocker - the mosh pit is not for me. Snork! Oh, the visual!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Heeeey! Helen! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Keep that rascally rooster out of the Tim Tams, would ya'? The dog's probably still shaking from him being such a tease. Snork.

I've seen video of the fireworks over Sydney. Now THAT would be fun to see from the balcony of some posh hotel! :>

Unknown said...

Oh wow Happy News Years!
I get to stay at home which actually isn't too bad if since I've only had to have 3 New Years at home in 33 yrs. My parents always went out on New Years so when I was a kid we were always at Grandma and Grandpa...which were awesome memories...apple cider and trying to stay up late. Then I would party with friends til the sun comes up, and sleep the day away, but man the pictures and since we worked for a major airlines the places we parited!!!!
Now it's just so AWESOME just to sit and watch as my daughter's eye pop out of her head seeing the fireworks on tv and getting to go to my own bed...LOL
Don't get me wrong....I still have that longing of spending just one New Years in Scotsland or Ireland, With my girls again...Man did we have the most amazing times.

Anna Campbell said...

Helen, looks like you've got the chook for the 1st of the year. Wonder if that's an omen for lots of visits in 2011.

Happy New Year, all you lovely Banditas and Bandita Buddies! I hope 2011 brings you a ton of love and happiness.

Jeanne, loved the post. Especially loved the idea of a big Bandita get together one year. You never know! It might happen. Like you, I'm not big on crowds but I think having an apartment in Paris that looked at the Eiffel Tower for new year's might be fun. They still light it up, don't they?

Rainy start to 2011 here. I've got a horde of visitors descending so I'm hoping it fines up before lunchtime. It's so much easier to entertain kids when we can just herd them out to the pool.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Pissenlit said...

Happy New Year to those of us IN THE FUTURE!!...ahem...I mean...who are already enjoying the new year. :)

I do so very much like the idea of holing up in a posh hotel room with a good view of the fireworks, a magnum *coughortwocough* of bubbly and some tasty treats, dressed in something sparkly and formal(me, not the tasty treats) with someone special!

Alas, tonight, I think I'm going to stay in with my mum(uh, not to say my mum isn't special...LOL) and the tv, probably set to "ET Canada's New Year's Eve at Niagara Falls"(Great Big Sea AND Barenaked Ladies! Yay!) with some junk food. Three of my friends are going to a wedding(I didn't know people had cons over NYE let alone a wedding at a con over NYE!) and another one is out of town so the rest of us decided to fend for ourselves on NYE. As there's a particularly virulent bug going around at the moment that half of my friends have caught, I'm not too keen on mingling with large groups of people anyhow. We'll probably get together for some sort of New Year's celebration on Sunday, though.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey BJ! Wow, that sounds like total fun!

You said: Don't get me wrong....I still have that longing of spending just one New Years in Scotland or Ireland, With my girls again...Man did we have the most amazing times.

Oooh, New Years in Scotland...yeah, I could do that

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey there, Anna-bannana! Grins. So happy you've got New Year's company coming, but I do hope you get your wish for a nice day so the kids can jump and splash and let the adults enjoy watching and noshing. Grins.

You said: Like you, I'm not big on crowds but I think having an apartment in Paris that looked at the Eiffel Tower for new year's might be fun. They still light it up, don't they?

I do believe they do! We'll have to see tonight if they've got it lit up. Grins.

Happy New Year, Bandita, and may it be as full of great things as is humanly possible! Grins

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Pissenlit! Sounds like fun plans, and I'm sure your mum IS very special. Grins.

I do like your ideal though. You said: I do so very much like the idea of holing up in a posh hotel room with a good view of the fireworks, a magnum *coughortwocough* of bubbly and some tasty treats, dressed in something sparkly and formal(me, not the tasty treats) with someone special!

And I think the treats should sparkle too - jewelers box, anyone? Hahahah!

Tracey Devlyn said...

Happy New Year! I love the movie Holiday too. Such a fun movie.

Hubby and I stay home with a rented movie and crack crab legs as we bring in another year. It's become a tradition. Odd, I know!

I always thought going to masquerade ball with my girlfriends would be lots of fun. Since I don't plan on getting divorced anytime soon, that little fantasy will have to wait. :)

Cybercliper said...

Happ, Happ, Happiest of New Years to everyone!!!

Not much for crowds of any kind so I'm staying in and watching the ball drop on TV while curled up on the couch with a warm throw and good book!! Really looking forward to the new year and will probably spend some time contemplating things I'd like to do in the new year...be safe everyone!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year everyone! I plan on spending my new year reading!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Tracey! Happy New Year!

You said: Hubby and I stay home with a rented movie and crack crab legs as we bring in another year. It's become a tradition. Odd, I know!

Ooh, I like it! Doesn't sound odd to me, sounds delish! I love crab legs. Grins.

Had to LOL about the masquerade party with the girls. Snork. Yeah, I've thought about that, but since the DH is pretty much the guy for me...next life. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Cyberclipper! Happy New YEar!

You said: Really looking forward to the new year and will probably spend some time contemplating things I'd like to do in the new year...be safe everyone!

I'm looking forward to 2011 too. A friend of mine and I always have high tea at one of the local hotels at the holidays and talk about things we'd like to do in the next year. Not quite as formal as goal-setting, but not as vague as "oh, that would be nice," either. Grins. We write everything down, and check in in June, then again at high tea the next year.

Enjoy the ball drop, the good book, and the wonderful new year!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Virginia! You said: Happy New Year everyone! I plan on spending my new year reading!

WOOHOO! Love that! Glad you're with us, Virginia.

Happy reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Gamistress, I so missed this comment: a bandita party in DC -- not sure the city could handle it :) The secret service, homeland securtiy, FBI & other area initial would prob get all ansy if they've heard about bandita parties ;) Special congressional hearings may even have to be called in an attempt to find out about it. ;)


HAHAHAH!! I was ROFLMAO. So true. And since someone from each of those agencies live in my neighborhood - it's the United Nations and "lettered-agency" soup around here, I tell ya! - we'll have to invite them. We'll swear them to secrecy. SNORK!!!

Nancy said...

Helen, congrats on the bird!

Jeanne, the boy went to his first ever New Year's Eve party at a friend's house. This will be the first New Year's Eve he has not been home at midnight.

The dh and I watched most of tonight's Smallville re-run (which I had not already seen) and then went out for a late dinner. We'll crack open some champagne, maybe have cheese and crackers if the giant tiramisu dessert has digested by then, watch the ball drop in NYC, and bag it.

A dream New Year's Eve--I dunno. We're pretty happy right here, and we grow more mob-averse every year, which would let out both Times and Trafalgar Squares.

Maybe Hawaii?

I wouldn't mind being at a party in London or New York with a great skyline view, especially if I could then go to bed in the same building.

Nancy said...

Happy 2011, everyone!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Ah....Happy New Year to everyone East of the US!

This year I am off work, so I am pretty dang sure I'm not delivering a New Year's baby!! I've done that more than once in my career.

I've had a glass of mulled wine with hubby and am going to snuggle in and enjoy NOT being awake at midnight for once!!

Pissenlit said...

Woo! Happy New Year!

Donna MacMeans said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Nancy! Happy NEW YEAR!!! Looking forward to a great year with my fellow Banditas!

How was the Tiramisu?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR BANDITAS!!! And HAPPY NEW YEAR, Bandita BUDDIES!!!

WOOHOOOO!!!!

*throws confetti*

OMGosh, there go the bags of confetti Demetrius put on the rafters....wow, that's a LOT of confetti!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz, sleep well! WOOHOOO!!!!

Laurie Logan said...

I usually spend New Years with family (my Mom, sibs, and our families celebrate our Christmas around New Years as it's the only time we can all get together) but I could definitely get into a romantic evening at the Gaylord National Hotel. I was there the weekend before Christmas with family and it was a fabulous time! I loved that view of the harbor and I can just imagine it would be incredible with fireworks!

Laurie Logan said...

Happy New Year!!!