Happy New Year 2015 From Alamogordo, New Mexico

January 2, 2015

We had an uninvited guest in our backyard on New Year's Day and sadly one of our little birds turned out to be this sharp-shinned hawk's holiday dinner. I took photos of him through the glass patio doors and he was determined not to leave until he had the last morsel of that little bird. I went out later and there was absolutely nothing left but a scattering of feathers. Thus is the way of nature in our world.

Sharp-shinned hawk dining on New Year's Day 2015

Taking a breather between bites

Almost finished! Must be time for a nap.

We, (Doug and I) had a lovely Christmas Day together exchanging gifts and dining at home. We then drove to the local theater to see "Unbroken", the story about Louis Zamperini's WWII experiences as a POW. The book was written by Laura Hillenbrand as she lay in her bed suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I highly recommend you read the book because there is just so much more to Mr. Zamperini's life than his surviving horrendous torture at the hands of the Japanese. The movie is well directed by Angelina Jolie and sticks close to the book for the most part. We enjoyed it despite the torture events.

We spent New Year's Eve right here in our cozy little home watching the ball drop. I created a salsa dip by opening a can of fire roasted tomatoes (salsa style), adding a can of  black-eyed peas, drained, two tablespoons minced garlic and two tablespoons Gourmet Garden Cilantro Paste. We enjoyed this dip with Fritos scoops on New Year's Eve as well as New Year's Day so we are assured of good luck in 2015.

New Year's Eve, I took part in a virtual online party with my sister Red Hatters around the world. It was actually a fun event meeting many people, sharing photos of table settings, various foods and decorations. Our hostess even made red top hats and various noise makers available for each of us. If you've never taken part in a virtual event on the Internet, you should consider it. Just the warm connection to everyone makes it so worthwhile and memorable. The party was "come and go" so it was possible to be involved in other events while checking back in on the computer all evening.

Starting our New Year off with a bang, Doug and I have enrolled in Drama 105 at New Mexico State University (we are now officially New Mexico Aggies) here in Alamogordo in hopes of honing our acting skills and classes start January 15, 2015. We have also been cast in the Rehovec Theatre on the Hill production of "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer" that will run February 6-8, 2015. Rehearsals start January 4, 2015 and we are looking forward to having a wonderful time doing this.

I would like to leave you with this beautiful quotation sent to me by a dear friend, Denise Pruitt:

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or even consumed. 

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude."

--Denis Waitley

This is all I have to say for now.