Holidays...the ending....

All is in readiness. The soup is in the crock pot. The vacuuming is done. The candles are lit.

The killer rabbit slippers are donned.

The guests are all saying they will arrive "around 8ish."

There will be fewer guests this year, than there have been in years past. In fact, only 4 are coming this year.

Jessie didn't even come down for Christmas this year, much less my New Year's Eve party. She's too busy with her new life in Michigan, now. This is a good thing for her.

Even after she first moved away, she used to always come over and help me prepare. Her help was missed this year, but not as much as her presence!

Another couple, dear friends, seemed to lose interest in coming.
Last year, they came right out and said they didn't want to come. THAT was awkward, but I guess I am glad they can be honest with me.

This year, they made some vague comments about having something else to do.

I obviously don't have a date this year.

Dave COULD have stayed here for the extra days.
The drawback of him doing so, however, would have been that he would have used the last of his vacation time, and he does not earn more until March.

We have only been seeing each other every 3 months, but it's nice to know that we COULD see one another more often, if the money becomes available.

If he'd stayed here longer this trip, and used up all of his vacation days, that option would simply not be there.

By him saving the last few days, we MIGHT be able to see each other some time in February, and since he turns 50 in February, that would be really nice.

Anyway, despite these changes, the party will happen, as it has since I moved in here, and decided I didn't want to be alone on New Year's Eve.

Last year, there was a Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers game on New Year's Eve. Everyone wanted to watch it. This year, the tv will probably only be turned on for a count down.

I like my little party.
It's historically been the only time I entertain. It's relaxed, and casual, and low key. Everyone seems to like it very much.

So, happy new year to whoever may read this.

I hope that your holidays have been as nice as mine were this year, and let's all hope for health, happiness, TOGETHERNESS, and prosperity in 2009!