New year's eve/day

We spent New Year's Eve with some friends. They live on the banks of Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana and have a spacious home with several extra bedrooms and bathrooms. We had a relaxing overnight stay and even managed to stay up past midnight. This was our view from the bedroom at the top of the stairs.

After the ~1-hour drive to their home, we spent the evening enjoying a simple supper of potato soup, chatting, and then played some games. We started with Chronology, then the next several hours were occupied by Mexican Train Dominoes. There were a few adult beverages consumed in the process.

We've been friends with this couple since our kids were in high school together. We have a lot of similarities as far as age, politics, and whatnot, but they are in a way higher income bracket than us. Still, they're laid back like us and we enjoy going out to eat every few months (or used to). Sometimes I feel like the 'odd man out' in that I'm sort of the only "blue collar" type among us, and I can tell my presence is sometimes mostly tolerated (as it usually is). I suppose it's good humility practice.

New Year's Day brought a little weather with it and we drove home on ice-covered roads. We topped out at about 45 mph, but never had any problems. It rained with a little snow and sleet mixed in for the rest of the day. 

Now... we start a new year. It seems everyone thinks 2021 will somehow be better than 2020. I am not so optimistic (if you can imagine that). I have a sinking feeling things are going to be pretty tumultuous still. It's hard to tell how the presidential transition will work out, what the economy will do, and whether the virus will actually subside or not (through vaccines or otherwise). I'm not trying to be a downer, but I just don't share the optimism of many. I guess whatever happens happens.

We are going to try a Dry January (no alcohol). I hope it at least lasts longer than a day. I'd also like to try easing into running again at some point. Other than that... who knows. Work will still be work. More than anything I suppose I need a new attitude. Here's to that!

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Psalm 90:12

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”