2021 in 2020

Happy new year!

We had a quiet New Year’s Eve, and quite frankly it was lovely. I made a bunch of frozen appetizers and we played games with the kids (Jackbox on Steam, and then a card game they got for Christmas that Sophie calls Cards Against Humanity, KidsBop Edition). Then we watched the ball drop and everyone went to bed. I sat up a little longer because the fireworks were bananas and the dogs were unhappy, but finally I gave them benadryl and went to bed.

Today I undecorated. Rob is going to take the Christmas tree out tomorrow, but I took off all the decorations and lights today, and put away the stockings and other indoor decorations. It rained most of the day, so the outside decorations have to stay up another day or two, but I’m ready to be done with it for the most part.

I also cooked today, as is tradition - but I tried some new things. I usually just heat up a can of black-eyed peas, but this time I started with dried peas, soaked them overnight, then cooked them all day in the crockpot with the hambone from Christmas. They were amazing! And Sophie actually said she liked collard greens this year! And I tried a really simple recipe for the pork roast and it came out well. All in all, New Year’s Day dinner was a success.

Tomorrow I’m back to work, and then Sunday I have to clean house and set up the guest room because my brother’s wife and daughter are coming to town for the night. We’ll watch the football game Sunday night (she’s as big of a Washington fan as I am) and then go to the aquarium on Monday. My niece is flying out of Atlanta on Monday evening to visit some friends in Nevada, and my SIL will drive home after she drops her off.

And with any luck, the kids will go back to school next Thursday. We’re still wondering if the school board will make a last-minute decision to go back to online school. I hope not, they’re dying to get out of the house, but of course safety is the most important issue.

Back to reality. Come on, 2021 - let’s make it a good year!