What a Bunch of Crazies!

This is where we rang in the new year.

Around this fire in the freezing cold. See the snow? And my sister went in her slippers and no socks. The guys had been working on the fire for quite some time before the rest of us left the warmth of my sisters house and traveled down icy, slippery trails to gather by the fire. I don't think the thing started burning right until those offended by the cold headed back to the warm house. Yes, it was dark - pitch black dark - and you had to watch your step due to standing frozen water, but you know it's an experience none of us will ever forget. I'm not sure who will remember the fire fondly, and who will grit their teeth and curse, but we were all together toasting in the new year, hugging, and being thankful for each other, for friends who are family, and wishing those that couldn't make it could have been there.

I still have some funny pics to post. I'll get them up soon. Right now, I'm busy organizing myself for the new year. I need to solidify my yearly writing goals before morning. Tomorrow is the first meeting of CPRW for the year, and I get the honor of presenting our chapter service award. Which means I have to give a speech...I don't do so hot with speeches. The mere thought of standing up in front of my peers has my stomach tightening. And these are people I've known for years - my friends and fellow writers. Yes, it's something I need to work on. The funny thing is, I can stand with these same people, repeat the exact same words from my speech and not start talking too fast, or tripping over my words, or turning red, or stammering like a fool, but make me stand up while everyone watched expectantly...shiver, shiver. I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime, enjoy your Friday and the weekend and...

Behave!