Happy New Year!

The usual conundrum of what to do for New Year's Eve was solved by my brilliant husband's suggestion that we drive to Cape Cod. I was resistant at first because of all the rain, but today the sun is out and I'm set to take a trip. Cross your fingers that the skies remain clear through Sunday.

We are dragging The Teen with us, and a sister and hopefully The Princess if she can convince The Boyfriend that it's okay to be without her on New Year's Eve. We have promised fireworks in Chatham at midnight, followed by a trip to Nauset Beach to be the first to see the sunrise for 2006. Lobsters and a trip to her favorite sports store ought to clinch the deal. Me, I'm looking forward to Brewster Bookstore and walking the boardwalk from the Audubon Sanctuary out to the bay. Stan just becomes a different person as soon as we cross the bridge, so it's all gravy to him.

I can think of no better place to be on the first day of the year than at the beach, our beach, the beach that has served as respite, adventure, and site of many family reunions. Yes, I'd prefer it was eighty degrees, but I'll take a short walk bundled up and dodge the waves, which I hope will be crashing in celebration. Our rooms have fireplaces, so we can get good and chilled then run home and open a bottle of champagne that we saved from our anniversary.

My wishes to all of you are health and joy in the new year, continued adventures, travel to exotic places from your armchairs, books as dear as friends, shelter, quiet when you need it and celebrations when your mood requires, and most of all, love. Come back often and travel the new year with me.