New Year's Day 2018. . . . . . . . .

Yes, it's a new year and a new bird arrived in the garden to celebrate despite

 the bitter cold morning. . . . . . . not this one, the elegant and lovely 

Mrs. Cardinal in her red lipstick and tufted hairdo. . . . . . . 

. . . . . . this small, adorable round and chunky newcomer, sporting grey and white

 with a touch of crisp black wing feathers.

For the life of me I cannot pin down this sweet-looking bird.

From a distance I thought it was the Dark-eyed junco (the "snowbird"), 

or perhaps, a female Ruby-crowned Kinglet, or a Vireo, however the closest 

bird I can find is a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Being so cold out this little bird 

was definitely fluffing out its feathers making it harder to identify.

If you have any ideas as to whom it might be I'd appreciate your thoughts. 

Last night downtown was bitterly cold and I looked/felt like the Michelin Tire Woman!

Dear Ruth, your amazing snood saved me - my neck, my ears my face - wonderful

and so much better than a regular scarf!

  Good thing was everyone else was bundled up too, warmth not fashion was all

that mattered. Some people, especially little kids, were even draped in blankets,

 a good idea, and I came dangerously close to grabbing one for myself!!!

We cheered on the People's Procession, watched Raleigh's symbol, the

 copper acorn drop, and fireworks explode (the 7 pm early version for kids and oldies

 like us!), then headed inside several music venues to listen to bluegrass, jazz etc.

 before heading to an Irish pub for a late-night bite and a glass of champagne at midnight.

Early - well not so early as I did sleep-in a while after such a late night -

I donned the layers again and was out melting the birdbaths, filling feeders, 

and taking photos of birds, of course. 

Late afternoon today we'll be celebrating a belated Christmas with our dear 

neighbors who were away for the holidays - snacks, pulling crackers, raising 

a glass, or two, as we don't have to drive, exchanging gifts. 

Later, an evening planned by the fire watching a little TV as I knit. . . . . . 

. . . . . . . then tomorrow back to normal as we try to remember to write 2018,

 and all we hope for, peace, good health, happiness and prosperity, we wish for

 you and your loved ones also.