...and in with the new

Happy New Year!

I like the idea of a new year. It feels like a good time to wipe the slate clean and start again. It isn't loud and boisterous around here New Year's Eve. As many of you know I'm in the states but originally from England so every New Year's Eve for many years Mum and I spend it together. Back before we Skyped we would talk to one another on the phone and listen to Big Ben chiming in the new year. Now that we Skype we see it in together and watch it on her telly. It's always good to go from saying 'see you next year' to 'see you later this year'.

The new year dawned bright and with the sun shining. A lot like the day before when this photo was taken.

There are changes afoot in our lives. Daughter is moving to Minnesota from Michigan where she will start a job next Monday. Early Wednesday morning we'll be heading off. Fingers crossed, the weather doesn't look like it will be too bad. It will be strange seeing her go. I admit to being a little sad. We're quite close and see one another often but because of the distance it won't be possible. It's good for her though.

I'm not sure what the new year will bring for me. I have plans - knitting, cross stitching, crafting and photography plans. Hubby and I have camping plans - even going the 'long' way to visit daughter  up through the upper peninsula of Michigan and down Wisconsin. Definitely an adventure to look forward to. I have walking plans, de-cluttering plans and plans to spend less and save more. Nothing out of the ordinary but I'm feeling a sense of optimism and looking forward to new beginnings.