New Year's Eve

Low tide, warm weather, so we rode our bikes on the beach.  There were quite a few people out and about, and a holiday sort of ambiance.  Some were walking, others on horseback, and as always, a few wet-suited folks at play in the water. It's crazy beautiful.We returned to our house, newly empty and quiet again.

For me, the end of the year is a pensive time. I mark the occasion with humble gratitude, some old wistful sadness that never really leaves, tentative hopes, a fragment of prayer.I am sending love and best wishes to all of you who have found your way to this site.

And here is the poem of the day from Garrison Keillor's Writers' Almanac. Except for the snow falling in the light outside and gathering on the steps, it's the perfect description of New Year's Eve for us:

THE END OF THIS YEAR by Jack Ridl

The best place to be is here,
at home, the two of us, while

others ski or eat out. It will be
quiet. We won't watch the ball

fall, the crowd in Times Square.
They will celebrate while here

there is this night. Tomorrow
some will start over, or vow

to stop something; maybe try
again. Here the snow will

fall through the light over
the back door and gather

on the steps. We will hope
our daughter will be safe.

She will wonder what
the year will bring. Maybe

we will say a prayer.