New Year's Wishes

The news is bleak these days; natural disasters and horrific loss of life. My friends in the café lost contact with their family for three days; thankfully, they all turned out to be okay (but had harrowing stories to tell). And all were saved by an anonymous someone who helped them move out of the way of certain death. It does put things into perspective. I am so grateful that my family and friends are well.

Christmas was so much for fun than I could have imagined! My landlords – who are wonderful – invited me over for a traditional Christmas Eve dinner (which lasted well into Christmas morning). I know I’m a lightweight, but goodness, I don’t think I have ever had that many different types of alcohol in one night! Plus, I got to try foods that I had always assumed I wouldn’t like. The lovely Mme. Malbrand served mimosas with Cointreau to begin, along with awesome hors d’œuvres. The family was stunned that I had never had raw oysters, so her sons and husband spent a good deal of time teaching me how to eat them. Of course, everyone had a different opinion (lemon or no lemon? Chew or just swallow?) And surprise, surprise, they aren’t bad! After oysters (and wine, wine, wine); we had duck confit (amazing!) about 8,000 cheeses (and more wine)), a salad (with pear liqueur), and finally a nougat cake (with grape liqueur). By this time, I was a bit unsteady! But their son saw me safely home, and off to bed I went, with a very, very happy tummy!

Christmas Day was spent with my professor, in from Berkeley. What can you say about a woman who managed to have 14 people in her apartment and have gifts for all of us! She is a wonderful lady. Oh yeah, champagne for days. I’m off the alcohol for at least a month, just to let this get out of my system!!! I am ready for the new year to begin. Great things are coming, I feel it!

I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year (and a happy birthday to my mom!)