Ma Baensch Marinated Herring

My maternal grandmother would eat this every New Year's Eve. I guess there's a tradition that says eating it at midnight will bring good luck for the year , but she seemed to have a genuine affection for it too . Odd , as I don't remember her enjoying this or any fish the rest of the year . 

Some New Years Eve Photos!

Feelin' 22!

Hello 2020

2019 was ok. It's the rest of the decade that sucked.

Times Change

20 years ago tonight Lisa and I were at a concert in Boston, having flown out there just for the show.

Tonight, I fell asleep on the couch at 9:30 for an hour. Now we're thinking about making pizza rolls before midnight.

Excuse me as I take something to control my excitement.

?

This . . . HAS to go down in history as the oddest New Years Eve of my life.

New Years Eve 2016

This year, for what may honestly be the first time this century, Lisa and I headed out alone for New Years Eve. We signed up to do another painting at Splash Studio to ring in 2017. 

Look how purty we are!

The project started out with a yellow disc.

Then, a white ring around the disc. 

Then teal around that, and a bunch of blending. 

Starting at the corners, you being to fill in the background with dark blue arcs. 

Being veterans, Lisa knew to paint the sides of the frame. 

You draw in the moon. 

And shade it properly. 

The trees .  . . oh, don't get me started. I found the trees a pain in the butt. LOL

2017 was nearing . . . 

Once we added snowflakes to the painting, it was done. 

We each signed our respective halves. 

Then midnight came, and we kissed, had champagne, and danced before heading home. 

Happy New Year Everyone!

Some New Years Eve Pics

Hello 2015

Goodbye 2014!

New Years Eve (a running narrative)

Nick Jonas on now, everyone singing along to "Jealous"

One Direction singing "Story of my Life". Everyone singing along, here and in the audience. GREAT song. GREAT GREAT song.

Playing Pokemon with Smiley. I'm confused. Very confused (the margaritas probably aren't helping)

My spur of the moment plan to take the family on a county bus ride, just because they are free on NY Eve, has been vetoed by Lisa. In part because it's 12 degrees outside, and in part because it's a dumb idea.

Smiley and I are hitting the road while LuLu dyes Lisa's hair

Note the strawberries Lisa had the kids dip in chocolate as an activity/treat for NY Eve

Just watched 1D on New York Rockin Eve! Plus, saw Donnie Wahlberg!