New Year's Dane

Following an eventful December where Izzy had to endure many nights home alone while I performed holiday concerts and participated in various Christmas services around town, we had a relaxing Christmas and New Year’s. I occasionally had some time free during the day to keep her occupied with outdoor activities. In addition to several outings to familiar places, we also discovered a new trail, part of the Roswell Riverwalk, which makes a loop on the north bank of the Chattahoochee just east of GA 400. Although part of it was water-logged from the recent rains, we had a nice circuit.

 

Roswell Riverwalk - 20 December 2013

 

Having determined to accomplish some yard clean-up during the Christmas break, I ordered a dumpster and set to work, with my trusty supervisor staying well back from the scene of any actual labor. I managed the project to completion without her assistance, and despite contracting a fine case of poison ivy (which luckily I was able to get treated a couple days before Christmas), we also had fun walking several of our usual routes, including going up and down our street looking at the displays of holiday lights. As for Christmas itself, Izzy seemed unimpressed with the carefully-decorated tree and German carols playing in the background, and much more interested in the batches of cookies cranked out for gifts and home consumption.

 

 

Christmas Hike at Johnson Ferry North - 25 December 2013

 

 

Christmas Cookies and Cheer - 25 December 2013

 

I had just rid myself of the ivy (with the help of a course of steroids), when I came down with the yearly head cold, which knocked me out for a couple days right at New Year’s. Consequently, there was no raucous celebration on New Year’s Eve – a couple glasses of champagne, cookies, and a shot of Nyquil did it for me, and we were both sound asleep well before midnight. If there was any fireworks or other noise, neither Isabelle nor I was aware of it. But while 2014 may have arrived unheralded, we have great expectations for a year of wonderful experiences. Izzy is resolved on it!