A Haven for Vee

Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 in First Lines

Some have done this meme in the final days of 2012. I read  *A Year in First Lines* yesterday and thought I'd try it myself. Mine is not nearly as well organized and I hope that no one can read anything into these fractured sentences totally out of sequence. =D
Just after Thanksgiving, I heard a report on Black Friday Shopping. Snowflakes...lovely things...do you believe that no two are alike? What is it about March that, even though the calendar says that the new season won't arrive until the 20th, we feel that spring arrives on the 1st? Barely, get it? A few days ago, I was searching Google for an appropriate image to use for this Palm Sunday, I found one showing Christ entering Jerusalem on the back of an ass's colt. Late last evening, I asked John of his plans for this day...the one sunny day in the middle of ten rainy ones. There are times when being a citizen of any country is a challenge. Higher prices — I so remember my grandparents whining (at least, it sounded like whining to my young ears). Since Ashokan Farewell was so popular, let's enjoy another by the same composer: ♫Lover's Waltz♫ Yes, Day Four of rain though there may be a slight brightening. I've been waiting for you a long, long time. Here it is December already!
Saturday evening, we fell asleep to Christmas lights and woke to snow and Christmas lights.



Some of us slept better than others.



He read a book, too. He really did!


Ahhhh, a sunset at day's end. A real sunset! The joy of bare branches and new snow that allow such a scene.


(John and I are currently out for breakfast with Jake. We can't let Sam have all the fun and Jake likes some special time, too. The plan is breakfast out and then play time until he (Jake not John) is ready to go home. I'll keep him as long as he's a happy camper. I'm really hoping that he'll surprise me and stick around awhile.)

Have a terrific New Year's Eve! Have any plans?

43 comments:

  1. Your sunset photos are beautiful, Vee! I wish we had some snow or sun or anything except the greyness and wetness and oh stop[ it Linds, be thankful for the rain.......

    I will spend New Year's Eve with my family who will probably go to bed early. I have been invited out, but declined this year. And as the car is wonky, I would have had to walk. No. I will stay here and watch the fireworks from London at midnight! Happy New Year to you both!!

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  2. Yet another precious post!!! Remember now, don't go and get too good at all this posting and posting precious pics! When we get perfect, what is there to aspire to? :-) Really, no kidding, your pics and posts are lovely.

    Our plans are in my post. Nothing wildly exciting. Same old, same old.

    We WENT-OUT on New Year's Eve, early in our marriage. We never did that again!!! -grin-

    Happy New Year's Eve, to you, my Dear Blogging Friend!

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  3. Your header is lovely and the background is so perfect for this time of year. (I meant to tell you that before we spent a week traveling.)

    How wonderful to have your grands so close. We got to see our older two this past week. Seventeen months can make a huge difference ~ they change and are such young ladies now. The love, though, is still very present!

    Your sunset photos are truly breathtaking. There is such mystical magic in such scenes and a blessing to watch them.

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  4. I join you in hoping that Jake has a great time and sticks around for a while!

    What a lovely outdoor scene you have there. The picture with the top of the Christmas tree and the snowy branches outside the window is perfect.

    New Year's Eve plans? Nothing New Year's Eve-ish. Usually Kristin and family come over and we eat chicken nuggets and other kid food and dance to Grooveshark requests. But this year, they have company. So we're going out for dinner and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are stopping by for a visit later. Not sure if everyone will make it to midnight. (I am up past midnight every night, so that's no big deal.)

    (Psst...are you planning to watch Downton Abby this coming Sunday night?)

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  5. What a great post! Your pictures are lovely as always. What a great new header, you have such talent! Have a Happy New Year's Eve spending time with your beloved and your grand (if he decides to stick around)!

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    1. He didn't. He flew the coop right after breakfast. Sigh.

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  6. I love the first lines...and your photo of Christmas lights and snow! I like your lights on your fence...

    We have big plans for tonight! Our New Year's Eve Ball celebrating Lindsay's birthday! She'll be 21 tomorrow! There will be lots of English Country Dancing - I'm the caller - but they are planning on games as well!

    Enjoy your day with Jake! I hope he stays for a very long time!

    Happy New Year!

    Deanna

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  7. I liked reading your "fractured" first lines for the year past....it gave a feel for what the year was like for you. I have SO enjoyed reading your delightful posts over the past year Vee. You have a wonderful way about you and I can sense your sweet spirit in your writings and sharing.
    Our Sunday School class has been getting together for New Years Eve for years and sometimes we have a "theme" party. This year it's "Glitz and Glam". I need to dig out all my sparkly things to wear tonight. Hope I get some fun pictures.
    Many blessings in the New Year to you and John!!!

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  8. Oh I LOVE your header and your photos!! And your fragmented thoughts too! haha Enjoy your evening and time with the grands! Happy New Year!

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  9. What a beautiful snow and sunset...a wonderful post, dear heart.
    So fun to go out with your grand for breakfast...love it.
    Mr. Sweet is on his way to work-out and is taking me to a Birthday Brunch when he comes in about 10:30. Yum....I LOVE breakfast foods.
    Have a great New Year's Eve....
    xoxo

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  10. Beautiful! Just BEAUTIFUL!!! Your blog 'look'....your pictures....your post...everything!! I can't tell you what a blessing y'all have been to me and so many others this year! You and John are amazing people and I have come to feel like we KNOW you! May you have a very blessed New Year and my God give you the desires of your heart!!

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  11. The sunset is beautiful.

    Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  12. Your meme is hilarious! It is so totally whacked! I would hate to think what mine would sound like, LOL.

    Pretty sunset! Hope you had a lovely breakfast (assuming that it's already over and thoughts of lunch are now dancing in your noggin). No special plans here for New Years. If I can muster some energy, I might clean out the fridge. But then again, I might not!

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  13. Lovely pictures :) I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie

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  14. Fun post...oh those precious grandsons and you enjoy them to the highest, I pray I will have mine as much as you have yours...one day. Your tree is beautiful...mine now put away, moving forward to the boys birthdays...my last two and they are growing so fast.

    Happy New Year...it will be boring in this household...but hubby always stays up to see in the New Year...I hit the bed, LOL

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  15. I remember the day the littles were just a bit too little to spend a lot of time with you. How nice to see that changing. What a joy and a blessing they are.

    We'll be helping the Rabe family celebrate Lindsay's 21st birthday. She is such dear, dear young lady.

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  16. Looks like you are savoring moments too, and what lovely ones they are! Enjoy your day.
    Our evening will be quiet and simple!!
    Happy New year.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  17. I'll have to read the link so I can understand what you're doing in this post. But I like what you say about the joy of bare branches and new snow that allow you to view the sunset all the better. Some things we may wish we don't have allow us to see new beauty! Happy Monday and Happy New Year!

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  18. Hmmm. I think I need to research the meme to make heads or tails out of it. :) Who have you been waiting for for a long, long time?

    How was breakfast with Jake? Let me guess...he ordered a platter of bacon and called it breakfast. That's Ryder's favorite...breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy those grandsons of yours...'cuz they are growing up far too quickly!

    Happy New Year to you and John! What's happening tonight?

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    1. He ordered a chocolate chip pancake with bacon on the side. He ate two strips of bacon and two or three bites of pancake. He drank most of his apple juice. The end.

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  19. That looks intriguing, so I'll have a look at the original post to see if it's something I'll do.
    Breakfast with a grandchild - how I'd love to be able to do that! Next year.....
    This evening, as always, we'll go to the Naval Ward Room for dinner and dancing, all gussied up and sparkly (me AND the Ward Room!)

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  20. Hmmm...first lines. Once I'm home alone again maybe I'll try it. Love your sunset shots and your snow.
    Today I have to go to take care of some mundane business. I'm thinking about making a big pot of chili and some corn bread. Dan heads home once he wakes up. Katie and Andrew want us to go see Le Miserables with them for a matinee. We will stay home tonight as usual and be in bed before the New Year (we are a little boring that way)
    Happy New Year's Eve, Vee!!

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  21. Oh, the snow makes me shiver! I'm busily checking on blogs and then it's into the studio I go and get this work done! I think a pot of chili and my Honey Cornbread sounds wonderful too and easy to make ahead for a day of rain:-( although, not complaining 'cause it could be snow!!
    Happiest of New Years to you dear friend, XOXO

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  22. Happy New Years Eve Vee. The pictures of the sunset are absolutely beautiful ~ so serene. As long as I don't have to go out in it (**

    What wonderful times, having Jake and Teddy come to visit ~ you're making memories.

    We're staying in tonight with dinner and a movie. Blessings to you ~

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  23. I hope Jake sticks around til he has to go to school (not sure of his age?). Sounds like a wonderful week, Vee, your photos are so great. xo

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  24. I like your first lines review. Clever idea! Glad to hear Jake is enjoying his visit with you and vice versa. Wishing our grands were close to do that with. We are having a couple over that we haven't fellowshipped with for a long time. We are doing Chinese food - some brought in and some by me (with help from the Superstore!). Then we will play Mexican Train Dominoes. I don't know if we'll make it until midnight but who cares. Tomorrow is the new year no matter when we see it right? Have a fun evening and Happy New Year to you both! Hugs, Pam

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    Replies
    1. Sam did; Jake not so much. Jake did last until after breakfast at least. ☺

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  25. We are going to church tonight and then staying for some food and fellowship! Hope you have a nice New Year's celebration! I really appreciate all your visits and comments!

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  26. What a clever way to post. First lines make for some interesting reading.

    What fun to spend time with a grandchild. I'm waiting for Adria to show up here while her parents go out for lunch and to see The Hobbit. We'll think of something fun to do together.
    This evening, we're staying home. I'm making cheese fondue, Tim is building a fire. We'll likely watch a movie and get to bed around 10:30 or 11. Tomorrow we're planning a hike.

    Happy New Year, Vee!

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  27. Beautiful pictures Vee! Your home looks so peaceful and cozy this New Year's Eve. Your first lines are quite creative. You have such a wonderful way with words anyway.

    Happy, Happy New Year to you dear Vee! xo

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  28. Always enjoy your posts!!!
    Great photos of the sunset.
    No plans here. Just home in a nice warm cozy house watching a little television, knitting and eating ice cream. : )

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  29. Lovely photos. Have a warm and cozy evening and a very happy happy new year!!! Thanks for being such a generous and loyal blog reader. Without you, I don't think my blog posts would have gotten any comments in the early days.
    Hello from David too.
    xo Terri

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  30. Oh my goodness - if I did "first lines" - it would be all over the map and I would shoo-ed out of blogdom for my hick-ness! Will have to look back altho the hour is getting late to get it done before the end of the year!

    Sounds like you, John and Jake had a great day - hope he (Jake not John) stuck around for awhile today! I hope John stuck around, too... :)

    Happy New Year! (are y'all coming to Texas in '13?) =D

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  31. I really enjoyed your first lines, Vee! And thank you for linking to my blog, though I only followed someone else to do this!
    I wish you and John and all your family a very blessed and joyful and Happy New Year! And I really love the angel on top of your beautiful tree!

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  32. Oh, I'm having such an exciting New Year's Eve...sitting at the computer trying to keep my eyes open. I just think I'll give it up and go on to sleep. I enjoyed your photos and first lines. Have a wonderful and happy New Year with your beloved.

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  33. I think the sunset over the lit French photo needs a permanent place on your wall! Hoping 2013 will be kinder then 2012, and that your blog door will continue to be a welcoming way into life in Maine with John and Vee!

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  34. What a wonderful post! Happy New Years to you and your loved ones!

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  35. Love the meme. Looks like you are having a grand time! A very Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  36. What a beautiful setting at your sweet home! Nothing better than spending time with family! Happy New Year, Vee! xxo

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  37. A sunset on the snow - so beautiful.Only when reading your above post did I think about it being 2013. Still have our Blessed New Year in mind. Great meal next door with about 50 others before fun and games followed by the biggest and longest firework I have ever witnessed. Then a time of praise and worship followed by a time of prayer till midnight when there was the deafening sound of about 50 poppers going off together indoors. Next a nice lie-in before a bracing walk in the park. Then a reminder that it was 2013.
    A VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU VEE.

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  38. Catching up with a few of my favorite friends...

    1) Love your new calendar - the picture you love, as well as the January photo. I don't use store-bought calendars (I create my own), but if I did, I'd get this one!

    2) The "O Holy Night" solo I listened to via a link from one of your previous posts... wow! Just wow! That is one beautiful lady with a truly God-given gift!

    3) Hope all is well with you. I am once again walking among the living. =)

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  39. Vee! I love these pictures. Wow so beautiful. I am glad your are enjoying it!

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