Life of Wry

New Year’s day fell on a Sunday, so Monday (today) became a holiday as well. Today, in fact, was Rose Parade day, and I presume all the bowl games. So New Year’s was sort of a three day affair.

It was a quiet and often solemn weekend for us because of Jim’s dad’s passing. Not too much celebrating. Like so many, we were happy enough to say GOOD RIDDANCE to 2016, a horrible year with breathtaking losses (I made a list below). And then Jim’s dad.

The worst part of 2016, aside from family losses (Jim Sr, Annita), was the disgusting election campaign, followed by such an appalling and demoralizing defeat. The dread over what’s to come also hangs over us as we transition to a new year–usually such an optimistic time.

Beyond all that, it was a GREAT year for our family, with many milestones: Peter graduating from high school, getting a bunch of good acceptances, choosing UCSD; celebrating my 60th with lots of friends and family; celebrating Jim’s and my 20th anniversary. All highlights, even in an icky year.

Anyway… here are a few shots from the holiday weekend…

Will ya look at those low temperatures! And look at Wednesday… they predict SNOW (that prediction’s since been changed to rain).

We decided to forgo the Mumbo Gumbo New Year’s Eve party at the Odd Fellows, in favor of just being together and raising our glasses to grandpa Jim… dinner was pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, kale and some sparkling cider (pear, and accidentally alcohol:

A closer look at the dessert Peter picked out–French macaroons:

Peter and I had champagne..

Nobody would pose with me, so an awkward selfie it is:

Finally, here’s a shot from the Rose Bowl parade. Matthew and Dean marched with the Arcadia High School band!

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Some of those who died in 2016:

David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Glenn Fry, Natalie Cole, Antonin Scalia, Harper Lee, Nancy Reagan, Patty Duke, George Martin, Keith Emerson, Joe Garagiola, Prince, Merle Haggard, Morley Safer, Mohammed Ali, Eli Wiesel, Gene Wilder, Arnold Palmer, Tom Hayden, Janet Reno, Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell, Florence Henderson, Fidel Castro, John Glenn, Zsa Zsa Gabor, George Michael, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds.

Quite a list, huh?