Wrapping up 2017. . . . . . . . . . .

If headed to a party, or to the North Carolina Symphony's

 annual New Year's Eve concert, I would love this outfit.

Elegant, yet casual and comfy. The lovely mix of rich velvet and smooth

 satin give black a wonderful gleam, definitely not dreary. . . . . . .

. . . . . . and this would be the shoe I would love (if I could still totter around on

 such high heels!), I think it's gorgeous and would add a little pop of color.

I will however be out in the night for New Year's Eve and this year the forecast

 is for very, very cold weather, but dry thankfully. We always head into downtown

 Raleigh for the huge First Night celebration.  

After joining in the People's Procession winding through downtown, we enjoy

 visiting several of the music venues, especially

 jazz, bluegrass, organ recital etc., we like a little of each. 

There are two fireworks displays, one after the procession for the children

 (of any age) who don't want to hang around until the midnight show - that's us!

So I'll be wearing a very warm coat over my tunic length cashmere sweater
 and fleece leggings, and of course my warmest pair of comfy flat boots with
 thick socks - cold feet can be so miserable on hard pavement. Warm gloves will be
a definite requirement. . . . . .and around my neck will be the
 wonderful Christmas gift knitted by my fabulous friend Ruth in England. . . . .a soft,
charcoal grey alpaca/wool snood (scarf and hat in one) - more on this lovely gift later.

~ Winter fashions from ZARA ~

What are you planning for New Year's Eve?

New Year's Day 2016. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . and Bob and Mary have hangovers!

Shh, don't tell. They don't do things like 

this often, honest!

Yes, we confess, quite unplanned, Bob and Mary partied hard last evening and,

 as the clock struck midnight and the lovely bartender gal handed them each a

 glass of bubbly, they suddenly realized they were not at home, trying to stay awake,

 watching the ball drop in Times Square, or in front of their hearth as planned

 earlier in the day.

 Instead, they were sitting in the pub making delightful new friends and

 getting/giving New Year hugs all around!

Bob and Mary had a fabulous time in the city early evening. The rain stopped, 

it was quite warm, no heavy coats required, and much merriment supplied by way

 of the People's Procession, a giant Ferris wheel, outdoor ice skating rink, 

food trucks, music galore, and a great crowd of happy people. Yes, good feelings

filled the night air.

At 7 PM the Raleigh Acorn (the 'City of Oaks' symbol) was

dropped to the cheering "Happy New Year" throng - this early drop is for the

 kiddies, and oldies like us who don't want to be there at midnight with the real,

often boisterous, more youthful party goers! Fireworks followed and were fabulous.

After sharing a coffee, they were off to several indoor music venues.

 The Snyder Family from Lexington, NC - an excellent

 Bluegrass band. Jonathan Byrd & the Pickup Cowboys - blew us away. 

 A lovely hour, with talented local musicians, presented "BeBop, Blues

 & All That Jazz" at a Jam Session where several young locals

joined in with turns on keyboard, drums, flute, and a new to me 

instrument, the Melodica or wind piano - often used in Zydeco music.

All great music to say au revoir to the old year and welcome in 2016.

Eventually Bob and Mary made it home, only to be waylaid at the cottage door

by the lovely neighbors. Another bottle of bubbly was popped and we all 

dug into bowls of English trifle made earlier, along with a mince pie or two, 

champagne can make one very hungry.

Before they knew it, 3AM had rolled around, so a few remaining Christmas

 crackers were pulled, and then it was definitely time for all mousekins to get

some shuteye.

   Bob and Mary had so much fun - they hope you did too. 

And today? 

They'll soon be heading to a local eating establishment for an early supper -

 the traditional Southern New Year's Day meal (the veggie version 

as we skip the pork) of black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread - in

 hopes they bring us good luck, folding money and gold - because

 next year we'd love to try the New Year celebration in Sydney, LOL!

I wonder if peas and collards cure hangovers too!

Happy 2016 to all.