Once again, the year ends. Toward the end of December I feel an urgency, a need for January, for beginnings, for renewal.

The rain came as promised, and then stopped but not before soaking the yard and most of the patio. We'll see about an outdoor fire tonight.

My brother came by on his way to see his SO up north. It was so good to see him, I can't believe he lives so far away. We're closer now than we used to be, a good thing, and yet getting together is not easy. He thought we were going to be at Christmas this year, and was disappointed that we were no-shows so of course I felt guilty. Anyway, it was good to see him, listen to him play guitar, and I'm going to do my best to keep in better touch with him.

Now, the light outside is fading and there is the last minute rush of cleaning as we've been lazy people all day. The cassoulet is filling the house with scent and the boys are busy with dustrag and vacuum, and I must go buy ice. At this point, I feel that no one will come and we'll be here on our own with too many bottles of champagne and lots of cassoulet.

Wait a minute. You can never have too many bottles of champagne.

May your New Year bring life's unexpected joys.