It's (Almost) New Year's Eve...

...and in New York City we're getting ready to see the ball drop.

I took this photograph on the way to work this morning. Times Square is eight blocks down the street and the police have put up barricades already to be ready for the crowds tomorrow night. I have been in the Times Square area several times in the past, but being part of crowds that large is something of the past for me. For over ten years I have celebrated with my bible study friends in our neighborhood. We have dinner at a local restaurant that is festive, but reasonably priced. The prices can be exorbitant, but this place has good food and doesn't add on major amounts because it's New Year's Eve. We have coffee and dessert at a friend's apartment very close to the restaurant and sometimes play Charades or Twenty Questions. We laugh a lot and it's always a lovely evening. This year some of our group is in Egypt, so we will be four. There is definitely a missing chair for our dear Barbara.

The week that was supposed to be quiet at work didn't happen and my desk looks like a cyclone just struck. So much for the organizing I hoped to do. But the day held so many nice surprises...

1) I got to wear my new wool hat that my friend Anita knit for me for Chanukah. So warm and cozy. I will show a picture over the weekend.

2) Peanut butter was on sale at the supermarket.

3) My Amazon book shipment arrived. So hoping it would get here before the weekend and I can spend a lot of time over the next few days reading. I got three brand new hardback books. No waiting for the library or book exchanges. Can't figure which one to start with. I've got to choose between "Wolf Hall," "The Help" and "New York: The Novel" by Edward Rutherford. I've enjoyed his other historical novels, especially the ones about Ireland. Which one should I start with?

4) I won perfume from one of my contests.

5) I got tickets to hear Carrie Fisher speak next month -- actually only 10 days from now -- as part of the New York Times Culture Weekend. Will of course report back to all of you.  

Wishes to all for a fun and happy New Year's Eve!