The last space of this years calendar

will soon be marked off and a new calendar with serene photos.....

each with a hope filled verse, will be hung on the nail in the wall

for the new year.

I glance around at the still, dry, brown, areas of the yard and to where everything

lies in winter slumber.  In just a few weeks the tiny cheery yellow blossoms of 

the Italian Jasmine will be in bloom and just a few weeks after that, the fragrant

purple blossoms of the stock flower will be growing tall. It seems that nothing 

stays asleep for too long.

The usual excitement and activities that occur for the "sending out

the old year and welcoming in the new" happens all around in the

scattered cities......miles away from our home. For us, the new year arrives as 

quiet and calm as the old year leaves. We may play a game of cards, watch

fireworks and celebrations on the television, and maybe end the night with  a toast and a clink

of glasses when the time arrives.

New years day will have us enjoying a home cooked meal with the

"traditional" side of black eyed peas and we move on with the 

unfolding days with hope of good things to come.

The first days of this new year are predicted to be pleasant and sunny. 

Not too cold with just enough warmth from the short day of sunshine.

We had extreme low temps a few days ago before Christmas and now the trees have

let go of their remaining leaves but still have a winter loveliness with 

their gray limbs and moss patches on their rough bark.

On the bare limbs, I can now see empty bird nests and dried wasp nests that

were filled with life just a few months ago when the weather was warmer.

I reflect back on the year that is almost gone. There has been some 

worry, some sad moments, and some trying challenges.  But there has been

much joy and contentment in this quiet life that we are blessed to know, 

away from the maddening chaos that unfolds in front of us on the television. 

What this new year has in store and what it's days may bring to us, only 

time will reveal.

In my heart there is hope for peace filled days ahead and the prayer

for courage and strength to endure the challenges .....

come what may.

This is my wish for you as well and for the new year unfolding.

Wishing you all a very blessed new year.

" Winter does her own pruning. And I think that, as the new year begins, 

I might well do some pruning in my own life, keeping the essentials, the real values, 

and letting go the part that is no longer contributing to the growing time of my 

spirit."

                                 Gladys Taber