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.

What to wear in the Arctic blast. . . . . . . . . .

 The Snood: In terms of fashion trends, a snood is basically a tubular scarf, 
like a large cowl. It differs from an infinity scarf in that it sits higher on the neck
 and can also act as a hood.

I'm prepared for New Year's Eve - this one forecast to be
 the second coldest on record here - with a ton of warm clothing
 including this amazingly lovely snood, for the trip downtown tonight.

This was my fabulous Christmas gift knitted so beautifully, and then sent across
 the pond from England, by my dear friend Ruth. This charcoal yarn is soft and
 luxurious, a mix of wool and Alpaca, lightweight and luxurious.

   

How about this - these pretty knitted 'hand warmers' were purchased in Ireland 

last year. The yarn is almost identical to the snood so make the perfect set.

Tonight I'm sure I'll require regular gloves plus the hand warmers on top,

along with the snood and a snug fitting hat. It will be a teeth chattering, foot

stomping night. . . . . .with a hot toddy and a glass of champagne at the end!

Chill aires and wintry winds! My ear 

has grown familiar with your song; 

I hear it in the opening year - 

I listen and it cheers me long.

 Woods in Winter: Longfellow

May your coming year be full of happiness, good health, 

and be rich in the comfort and kindness of friends.