Rain Outside, Cozy Inside

 It's a new year, and I'm just sitting here this morning with a cup of coffee and a homemade sugar cookie, thinking about what the new year will bring.

I've been tidying up, going through things, getting rid of old papers, gathering items I no longer want or need and taking them to the thrift shop just down the road.  You know, all the things that we normally do when we start a fresh new year.  How do we accumulate so many papers?  I realize though that some papers are valuable and important.  My mom was very organized, and everything had a place, but she did have a lot of paperwork in desks and drawers.  While this was the norm, I am eager to toss any papers that I've had for a while and don't serve any purpose.

We had rain all weekend, and are supposed to have it through the week. ⛆⛆⛆

I have been craving Chinese food, and went to the restaurant the first of the year, but it was closed until Jan. 6.  So, my son cooked a teriyaki chicken dish instead.  It was ever so good.

"So strong is tradition that later generations will dream of what they have never seen."

~G.K. Chesterton

Yes, they are starting to put Valentine stuff out at the store already.  I don't mind though, as we need a day to commemorate love.  It's the one thing that is drastically missing in the world.  And I couldn't resist this mini box of chocolates. ; )

My son made some croissants, and each time I say it was his best batch yet, and this one really was.  He is getting the recipe down.  I tried one warm from the oven with butter and honey.

I got Mia's gift last week! - a nice pair of tennis shoes, which I really needed.  I have to have good arch support when walking, and when I was at Nel's house, I borrowed her shoes, and they did the trick.  So, she bought me a pair in the same brand (Asics), and now I can walk long distances without my feet being in discomfort.

And another neat present from Mia.  Our family loves a good movie, and Nel found this popcorn with assorted seasonings.  Can't wait to try them out, especially the kettle corn.

My neighbors still have their blue lights up.  They are fitting and pretty for the new year.

It's been so cold and rainy that I thought a hot bowl of tomato soup would be nice.  I put a dab of cream cheese over it, even better.

Doesn't this peppermint beignet at Disney look wonderful?  Nel said they were soooo good.

I love seeing the kids when their hearts are happy.

I hope the new year has been gentle to you so far.  We had a power outage on Saturday, but it only lasted for a couple hours.  And I've been thinking of all the floods that have occurred in both northern and southern California.