Some of us who are older and of a political bent may not be looking forward to 2025. So, before I write my normal end-of-year reflective post, I’m going to suggest something fun. I’ve enjoyed your comments about puzzles and family and books over the last couple weeks. So, I have two suggestions.
First, do you have a traditional meal for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? Is it something you came up with, or is it a traditional family food? I’d love to know.
I enjoy sparkling cider and shrimp with cocktail sauce on New Year’s Eve. Just something I like, although I have both about 8 PM. I don’t stay up until midnight. When we lived in Arizona, there was a two-hour time difference between Arizona and New York, so we’d watch the ball drop in New York, and call it a night, saying at 10 PM, well, it was midnight in New York City. So, sometime in the evening, I’ll sit down with cider and shrimp.
But, on New Year’s Day, I have to have pork and sauerkraut. That’s my mother’s influence because her grandparents were all German. I drove home from her house on Monday, unloaded the car, and went to the grocery store to get kielbasa and sauerkraut for New Year’s Day. It’s for good luck!
What about you? Do you have a New Year’s special meal?
Here’s my other question. What book are you reading to end 2024 or start 2025? Since I’m starting a book with 403 pages, I’m sure I’ll be reading it both days. It’s called Gangster Hunters: How Hoover’s G-Men Vanquished America’s Deadliest Public Enemies by John Oller. John Oller was a year ahead of me in high school, but we were in the journalism class together. He’s a retired Wall Street attorney, and author of seven books. My mom called my attention to this book.
What about you? What book is beginning or ending your year?
Now for the reflective part of 2024-2025.
I’m always grateful for my family. And, now that I’ve moved back to Ohio, I see all of them more often, even the next generation, my great-nieces and nephews. And, I’m sharing beloved children’s books with all of them, even the youngest who was born mid-December. I’m grateful that I have this time to spend with my sisters and my Mom. I was just up at my Mom’s for two weeks of relaxation and puzzles and laughter and love. I’m so lucky to have the time with all of them since I retired. I’m so grateful.
Like many of us, as we age, I have some health issues. But, I’ll cope. And, this is the best place to come and just forget for a little while. And, I don’t have to deal with anything so bad that I’ll die of it. I lost a long-time on-line friend this month, one I’ve known in the world of books for over twenty years. I never met her, but it still hurts to lose someone I’ve “known”. And, I know many of us have coped with loss this year. I know a number of my social media friends have lost husbands this year. As we get older, it happens more frequently. It doesn’t make it easier.
Many of us are dreading the political changes in 2025. I’ve turned off the news, and read headlines to stay informed, but I don’t want to see what’s happening. Those of us who feel that way fear the future to our lives, our security, our families, and our health. I know it’s been bad in the past, and we’ll get through it. But, that doesn’t mean I have to watch it unfold with the talking heads that aren’t real journalists such as we once had. I still miss Walter Cronkite.
But, I have love and hope in my life. I love my family. And, I love all of you here who provide some of that hope. We come here to talk about books and our lives, to share small things such as weather, but those small things do matter to us, maybe more than politics, actually. I’m looking forward to a year ahead talking about trips and concerts and Rosemary’s cafes and museums in Scotland, along with Kim’s Switzerland and travels, and Lindy’s corner of Canada. We’re here to support each other, and encourage each other. And, we’re here to share books and memories.
Thank you for being such an important part of my 2024. Here’s to 2025, and our future together!
Happy New Year!
In some ways, I find myself looking forward to 2025. For one thing, woke is ebbing, so we might get better books, movies, television and movies next year. The book The Puzzle Box seems to be a harbinger. And maybe the 49ers will get back into form. The A’s are going to start playing in West Sacramento, so I don’t have to drive 3 hours to watch Major League Baseball. Filling out my concert list for next year.
I usually eat some black-eyed peas for luck, because I can use all the luck I can get.
Reading out the year with Quarry’s Return.
Well, we certainly need better books and movies, Glen. 2024 seemed to be just a so-so year for books.
And, as someone who lived behind a baseball stadium in Florida, and near enough in Arizona, and went to tons of spring training games, I love the fact you’re closer to Major League Baseball. Enjoy!
We can all use luck!
Happy New Year!
I love this, thank you ♥️ “I know it’s been bad in the past, and we’ll get through it. But, that doesn’t mean I have to watch it unfold with the talking heads that aren’t real journalists such as we once had. I still miss Walter Cronkite.”
It’s not going to be bad for me. I’m not sick (so far). People who struggle with health issues are going to have a tough time for the next two administrations. I think LM’s act will have repercussions beyond what we can comprehend now. Those in control of our healthcare system are going to get even more greedy and desperate seeing that people will just not take this anymore. And working mothers will have it bad as well. If you have just 1 child, you may?likely be ok. But if you have more than 2 and are not independently wealthy and you want to keep working a professional job…I worry. Certain people have convinced themselves that we need to return to 1955. They think you should not have that job outside the house and your choices (unless you are wealthy, of course). Again, I’m childfree so therefore unimportant and irrelevant to them, so I think I’ll be ok. But, you are right, Lesa, none of us have to watch them continue to try and manipulate our world back into some nostalgic fantasy while ignoring the real problems of an economy arranged to maximize profit to groups of shareholders and financiers at the expense of the people.
Becky, I think you’re right. You bring up issues that have been touched on, especially the health care ones, but people haven’t really talked about childcare and financial concerns. I wish all of us luck!
We just watched them ring in 2025 in Sydney Australia so I guess in a way it’s already here. I’m not sure I’m looking forward to it but we got through 2024 dealing with having to move my mom to assisted living and selling her house so I’m sure we’ll get through 2025 too.
We don’t have any special food traditions for New Years. We’re having scallops tonight and quesadillas tomorrow. Just a couple of quick easy meals.
You’re right, Sandy. Sometimes, when you know what you’ve already been through, it makes it easier to face the future.
And, we have each other here for support.
Thanks for the year end roundup. And your year end/year start menu. Fun!
Over the years we’ve had various things. When we were first married, we had a New Year’s Eve party a couple of times, or went to friends. About 5 or 6 times we flew to California to spend Christmas and New Year’s with my parents. Also did that after they moved to Arizona. We’ve gone to movies and Broadway shows, but always matinees. As for dinner, it has varied, but we used to go to our favorite Indian restaurant until it closed. There is another one closer to us where we’ve gone a couple of times, and where we were planning to go today, but both of us came down with colds yesterday. What with the impending trip, we decided to just stay home and make chicken soup. As for New Year’s Day, we usually have brunch if we eat out, but again, we will cancel that and have more chicken soup. Let’s hope that does the trick. I’m sure it is just a cold, as we are vaccinated against Covid, flu and RSV.
This was a pretty good year for us (at least, until November 5), but I’m really not looking forward to the whirlwind that is coming. But others had it worse. My cousin (who we travel with in July – next year, Boston) lost a friend of 48 years standing to cancer last month, and then last week his widow was killed by a drunk driver. My brother’s ex-wife fell asleep on the way home from her late (current) husband’s funeral and crashed her car, breaking her leg. So everybody stay safe out there.
And a happy and healthy New Year to all.
Oh, Jeff. I hope the chicken soup does the trick. You and Jackie don’t need colds for the drive to Florida. Let’s hope the Florida sunshine bakes any remaining germs out of you.
What a tragic ending to 2024. I’m sorry. Yes, everyone needs to stay safe out there.
Sending hugs and hope for a quick recovery!
Happy 2025 Lesa and all the readers gathered here!
Being married to a southerner, we’ll start the new year with the traditional Black-Eyed peas. The pea from Africa, brought here via the slave trade, is thought to bring good luck & prosperity. It’s typically served with greens, but we’ll be substituting cabbage to go along with the cornbread. And shockingly, our peas will come from a can!
As for books, just my typical stack of library books, both physical & electronic. Perhaps the small book from 2009 “Tales of the Biggest Little City in the World” a mini Reno history from 1859 to then current.
MM, I love to read about the food we serve and the twists we’ve made to traditional recipes or food. Nothing wrong with black-eyed peas out of a can. What? You were supposed to go pick them on New Year’s Eve?
I’m also always interested in what you’re reading. If you like it, it may just end up here on a Thursday.
Happy New Year!
My in-laws always had a freezer full of fresh peas & beans -picked, shelled and blanched at the peak of summer flavor (and heat) – just waiting to be cooked. In my much more limited culinary background, peas were green and came frozen from the grocery store, beans were dried pinto in a bag.
I just love the family stories that come out around food, MM. Thank you for sharing!
Happy new year, Lesa!. I’m a southern girl so I have to eat black-eyed peas on new years day. My 1st book of 2025 will be Stanley Tucci’s What I Ate in One Year. It’s written in diary form and I loved his last book.
Katherine! A perfect book to end/start a new year. I enjoyed this one, and his last one.
And, of course a southern gal needs the good luck from black-eyed peas.
Thank you for sharing both!
Happy New Year!
We don’t have any special foods for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. This year it’s burritos tonight, and tomorrow it’s actually one of our twice-a-week “leftover days” to free up some space in the freezer. Very festive, I know. I never go out on New Year’s Eve so I’ll be hunkered down in front of a good book or the TV. Right now I’m watching the new season of Queer Eye, which I think is a particularly good one (except for the first episode)–emotional and life-affirming, just what I need.
I’m still recuperating from my auto accident in August. Right now I’m super-stiff and sore all over from the back exercises prescribed by my physical therapist, but I know it’s going to lead to a much straighter back, better posture and, finally, less achiness. I’m so thankful that I’ve already come a long way, and I’ve gotten a lot of support from friends and family. I’m not listening to TV news because I just can’t take it at this point. I’d rather spend time with my family, who are all delightful, my card game friends, and my closest friend in Pennsylvania–we have a long phone call scheduled for next week.
For 2025, I’ve designated my word of the year as “follow-through.” I have great plans, but I’m also an expert procrastinator, so that’s something I really need to work on.
As for the book I’m starting today, it’s Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell, which I borrowed from the library. Next up will be Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (asked for and received for Christmas) for one of my book clubs. Looking forward to both!
It’s so wonderful being a part of this great community of readers. Lesa, you know I value your friendship so much, even though we’ve only met twice in person. And I consider the rest of you friends as well, and especially look forward to Thursdays when we can all “talk.”
Happy New Year!
Margie, I am *exactly* the same – full of ideas, rather less full of the application needed to carry them through. So I should also resolve to do better on this one.
I love Queer Eye but haven’t started the new series – thank you for reminding me.
I do hope your aches and pains start to subside soon, it must be so hard to keep at all the physio, but I’m sure it will pay off.
Happy New Year!
Oh, my New Year’s Eve of shrimp and sparkling cider is just what I put together, Margie. Hodge-podge and leftovers work, too. Best parts of the holidays, though, are family and friends. Sounds as if you’re putting that together – “follow-through”!
I’m sure it will take a while to recover from your car accident. I’m sorry, but I know how hard you’ll work on it.
I just love all the people involved in this community, Margie. I value your friendship as well. And, I know how much people look forward to the books you talk about. Thank you for sharing.
Happy New Year & hugs!
Lesa, I am actually very fond of cooked shrimp with (homemade) cocktail sauce. It’s an easy dinner for when I am out of ideas and want something that tastes great. We also have some sparkling cider in the refrigerator. Hmmm . . . . .
We must be twins, Lesa! We will have roast pork and sauerkraut tomorrow. I bought a pork loin a month ago. It’s hard to find here at New Years. And we will go to bed when it’s midnight in New York.
I am rereading Remarkably Bright Creatures because I am leading discussion for book group next week.
I know Remarkably Bright Creatures appears on several upcoming Favorites lists, Cindy.
Interesting that pork loin is hard to find there, although that may be because it’s sold out.The same thing happens to the Peppermint ice cream my Mom and I like at Christmas. She had to scramble when we wanted a second half gallon. Got it straight from the delivery person!
I love the idea of watching the ball drop from a western time zone and then calling it a night! That would be the ideal New Years Eve schedule for me too. I don’t have a traditional meal, but when I was growing up, a friend of mine and I would always celebrate New Years Eve with some movies, potato chips, and french onion dip. I still crave that snack this time of year although nowadays if I actually ate that before bed, I’d probably start off my new year with heartburn. Wishing everyone a happy 2025!
Now, I just go to bed, Kate. I don’t stay up to see the New Year in. Too late for me!
Movies, chips and dip sound good, but you’re right. I shouldn’t eat that before bed, either.
Happy New Year!
I am finishing up 2024 reading a Vivian Chen mystery, Death by Dumpling, because it takes place in Cleveland, which is where I am from, and I like reading about familiar places.
Our last puzzle of the year was oddly enough The White House in the Snow by Michel Delacroix from Buffalo Games. We wanted to get it finished before the new administration. I know silly but the truth. We’ve stopped watching the news, but I am anxious to see who Gov. DeWine will select to replace JD Vance.
We usually make something called Fiesta Stack up that I got from an old commissary magazine that involves is sort of like a chili on rice with lots of different toppings to choose from.
Our New Year’s Day meal is a carry-over from my youth. My Mom always made a standing rib roast because she said you needed to eat like a wealthy person to insure wealth throughout the year. So, we are having a rib roast with twice baked potatoes, sauteed mushroom and a shredded Brussels sprouts salad I found on iowagirleats.com many years ago. Maybe a lemon snack cake for dessert.
I am not much of a night owl so staying up until midnight very rarely happens. Usually, it will be the fireworks in the neighborhood that wake me up.
Happy New Year!
That puzzle doesn’t sound at all silly to me, Sharon. I get it. And, I should read those Vivien Chien mysteries since I’m from north central Ohio, and worked in a Cleveland suburb. That’s why I used to read Les Roberts’ series set there.
Oh, Fiesta Stack sounds good. And, I love your mother’s idea of how to start the new year. Good luck with the wealth in 2025!
Happy New Year!
What a perfect post, Lesa. Thank you.
I have been a news junkie, a political activist most of my life. I have officially resigned from those positions. A least for now. Impossible to permanently remove the fight from a fighter, but I can’t stomach the “news” any more. Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite must ready to jump out of their graves.
Donald and I may be southern, but neither of us can bring ourselves to eat black eyed peas and greens, but have never decided what our New Year’s food tradition might be.
Neither do we have traditional plans. We each will sporadically shout “Happy New Year!” during the day – that’s about it.
I will be on the search for the perfect book for bringing in the year, but first I’m going to finalize my “Books I Read in 2024” list to post at my blog.
Wishing everyone a joyous New Year!
Oh, Kaye. I think of you when I write those posts this time of year. I know how much it hurts to leave behind our usual habits, but it just isn’t news right now, and certainly not “news” that I want to hear. I have plenty of things to keep me busy without the news.
I don’t blame you one bit for not eating black-eyes peas and collard greens. But, spontaneous New Year’s Greetings sound great.
I love you my friend. Happy New Year!
You are a super lady. Thanks for the wealth of information. Be well. Onward to 2025. Joan Ramirez, author
Thank you, Joan! Happy New Year!
Hello Lesa, and thank you for such a heart warming post. I wish you all that is good for 2025.
I am here in Leith by myself – or rather, with Charlie and Herbie – while Anna is away in Ireland. I am really enjoying having the time to myself, though as I said in my comment on Margie’s post, I came down with a list of ideas to pursue (mainly writing ones) and have I even started any? What do you think?
I am attempting a difficult puzzle of Paris at night. Just about everything is a shade of blue….
I am reading THE CAT WHO TURNED ON AND OFF by Lilian Jackson Braun – I enjoy these quirky little books very much. Today I also went to the Edinburgh Central Library and borrowed some books that the Aberdeen service doesn’t have. Luckily for me, Edinburgh libraries have done away with late fines, so I won’t have to rush to return them. Aberdeen has sadly yet to follow suit…
There are lots of Hogmanay food traditions – shortbread, black bun (a sort of boiled fruit cake), haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, steak pies, cranachan (raspberries, cream, toasted oatmeal), all washed down with a lot of whisky, but while I’m sure these are being served in homes and restaurants up and down the country, I’ve just had some salmon, sweet potato chips (fries, but these were roasted with a little oil and some smoked paprika) and green vegetables. And I was happy with that.
The Hogmanay street party and huge concert in Princes Street Gardens (this year the headliners were to be Scottish band TEXAS) have been cancelled because of our terrible weather, in particular very high winds (plus torrential rain). It’s not the first time this has happened, but to hear people complain you’d think the organsiers had done it just to spite them. Of course, the people who shout loudest would also be the first ones to dish out the blame if there was any kind of accident – falling trees, stage collapse, etc. (Just to explain, this is a *massive* event attended by thousands of people, so security and crowd control always make for a complicated operation, even in good weather. People tend to turn up after an evening of non-stop drinking- and of course that just carries on within the enclosure. Anna worked on one of the bars there a few years ago, and she said the amount people were prepared to pay for beers and shots was just ridiculous. One of our neighbours, who has been to this in the past, told me you would only want to experience the queue for the bathrooms, and the state of them when you get there, once…)
Anyway, I’m now off to watch the second episode of an Australian murder mystery series that Anna introduced me to – it’s called DEADLOCH and it’s set in Tasmania. It’s unusual to say the least, and the first episode was very very funny – but I’ll just say now that it’s only for the open-minded. I’ll probably talk more about it on Thursday!
Happy new year to everyone here, and especially to you Lesa, our wonderful host and friend.
Happy Hogmanay and Happy New Year, Rosemary! Tucked in with two cats and a puzzle sounds perfect in terrible weather. And, you won’t have to listen to all the drunk celebrations since they’ve cancelled. As someone who doesn’t appreciate loud concerts or drunken parties, that sounds good to me.
As does the book, The Cat Who Turned On and Off. I liked the early books in the series. The final ones weren’t as good, but I read all of them!
Enjoy your evening. And, thank you for your friendship!
I am reading A Killer in King’s Cove by Iona Whishaw
Enjoy it, Karen!