New Year's Eve!

10 years ago, on New Year's Eve, I remember sitting in bed, at The Peak, watching a movie with the husband on our laptop (we had no TV then). I remember being pregnant with our big boy and still feeling the waves of nausea as the clock crept towards the stroke of midnight and the beginning of the new year. We saw, from our bedroom balcony on the 41st floor, far off on the horizon, red flares shot up into the sky at the stroke of midnight; ships out at sea ringing in the new year.

A rather random memory, but still poignant juxtaposed against our reality now, a decade later.

Papa prepared a lovely meal of steak, sausages, wedges made with homegrown potatoes, tomato/homegrown fennel soup and some rolls and salad. 

It seems we've been married long enough for the husband to know that I'd invite everyone to share the highs and lows of our year, and I found it endearing that he prepared an answer in anticipation of that, even before it crossed my own mind to ask the question at the table. 

We all watched Puss in Boots after dinner. Funny movie. Our bigs tried to stay up as late as they could: big boy read while our big girl prepared overnight oats and cooked chicken curry with me. They finally switched off their bedroom lights at 11pm. 

Ending the year on a slightly sober note at news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has passed away. With Pope Francis at the helm in tumultuous waters, I mourn what seems to be the end of an era.

Blessed 2023!