finally! snow has arrived in the northland. it started last night while we were awaiting the 7th year of the two thousands. just beautiful. and we need it desperately. i never really thought about a drought in winter - snow doesn't seem to be precipitation to me. not only does the snow protect plants and trees by keeping the really frigid weather away from the ground and root systems, it provides the spring water that supplies the marshes and streams and everything down from that. snow is good. and pretty.

the holidays have been really good. work slowed down enough to start on my B list. yes, i have A lists, B lists, C lists, all prioritized in a terrifically anal-retentive way. this job has a huge everyday A list - practically everything is a priority - but the holidays reduce the number of people on the floor, and proportionately, A list stuff. hoo.

i even did some filing.

then the glorious, lazy, non-traveling holidays! two 4-day weekends, back-to-back! dinners with friends! gifts! way too much food! just glorious.

we saw dick clark last night - it's impressive how far he's come in only two years. my neighbor had a stroke a few years ago, and still hasn't regained much speech, but he's getting there. his wife is amazing, so devoted and doing a great job with care-taking. he's navy, so they get lots of help and she gets a break now and then. i so admire that devotion.

i got a sage bundle for christmas, so i thought i'd do a cleaning for my house. i waited until everyone left, took a bottle of wine, and saged & toasted the outside of the house, the garden and garage, then every room and closet. i asked for hope and strength, love and friendship, comfort and knowledge. i'm not wikan or pagan or anything, but i do think my ancestors watch over me, so i asked for their guidance too.

happy new year, world. happier than last year, i hope.