(Still) In the Mood

It's a new year, but we're still in the mood, the Christmas mood. Unlike many others, who may have taken advantage of the past holiday weekend to take down outside and inside decorations, our tree remains up. We're still enjoying the multi-colored lights nightly. How about you — any holiday decos still up?

Most likely, once everything is put away (probably this weekend) we won't have to wait until the end of 2021 to see holiday decos again. That's because they start appearing earlier and earlier in retail and Christmas in July seems more of a reality than just fanciful thinking.

The New Year was ushered in as low-key as Christmas for us. We happily spent the day at home, didn't most folks? Our day started with a long-standing tradition of cinnamon buns which, as you can tell, were thoroughly enjoyed. A can is always kept in the back of the fridge for "special" occasions and this day certainly was one of those. Grenville's smile shows his enjoyment.

We also kept with another long-standing tradition of going for a New Year's Day hike, which (almost, but not quite) justified our breakfast treat. In past years, we drove to Silver Lake State Park in Hollis, NH, for a First Day hike. This year, we walked closer to home going to Mine Falls Park in Nashua, which is within walking distance of the mill apts and a favorite walk spot.

Trees decorated by previous walkers greeted us along the way. We wondered if they had been the work of one group since all had a bright red ribbons, garland, and colorful balls. These were a cheerful sight and, hopefully, will remain decorated for a while longer.

An alien watched from a tree as we walked by. Most likely it had been lost by a child and put there for its owner to hopefully reclaim. Surprisingly, there was a lack of wildlife, human or otherwise, along most of our hike. Once home, the rest of the day was spent in comfy clothes and later, we dined on a meal of shrimp scampi and home made baguettes (first time attempt) and wine. No need to worry about being out on the roadways.

During the week between the two holidays, we received some post-Christmas family photos. Both great nieces, Autumn Rose (L) with friends and Savannah Marie (R) with parents celebrated at home in NJ and FL, respectively.

Plaid was in as seen in a Christmas pose of youngest granddaughter Lilliana seen with her mom, Coleen, and as Santa's helper in decorating their PA tree. Matching plaids were worn by cousins David, Dennis and their son, William, in NY. This threesome were the only family members who wore identical PJs. Did any members of your family do the same?

While inside our apt is still in the holiday mood, the exterior received a makeover earlier this week. A group of snowmen have settled in for a long winter's visit. We hope there will be some snow this season so they won't melt of boredom.

Their penguin and frog friends also have a couple of snow companions.

In the Mood is the name of a popular big band-era jazz standard recorded by American bandleader Glenn Miller in 1939 and featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. The composing credit goes to Joe Garland and the first recording was released by Edgar Hayes & His Orchestra in 1938.

Best Wishes to all for a better and happ(ier) 2021. It's the most we can all hope for now.