2017 Begins

New Year's Eve was a quiet event at the pond especially compared to all that we did around Christmas.  It was just Mike, Laura, Emily and I and a deck of cards.  Everyone picked a favorite h'ors dourve which, of course, meant we made four of them, and we served mimosas that had been planned for Christmas.

We played two games of spades which Mike taught us.  Somehow the first score card has disappeared and I only have the written evidence of the second game which Mike won.  Odd.  Emily won the first game.

The next day the new year began in earnest.  I changed out the Christmas decorations for winter decorations.  Even Mike got into the act.  He liked the lighted display on the mantel so much he insisted on putting something new on the mantel.  This is what I he did while my back was turned.  

Mike also started using his new presents.  Here he is using the new log splitter I bought him.  He really liked it not the least of which because it is good exercise.  Looks like we will have plenty of wood for that wedding s'more bar.  

God willing, this is just the start of a great year.