New Year, a Little Late

A new year suggests new beginnings to many of us, and this year, despite our country's economic woes and our own family's geographic woes (husband working in one state, myself remaining behind in another state to help daughter adjust to university and change on top of change, son now graduated and in-between states as he applies to graduate schools), the new year is still freshly minted, shiny, and promising. After the holidays, my husband returned to Louisiana, my daughter returned to the University of Georgia, and my son remains here for a short while longer with me. We just give thanks that a tough year is over and a new year offers new beginnings.

Here in Metro-Atlanta, we ended the year with snow on Christmas Day, and we have begun the new year--the second week into the new year--with more snow, ice, and freezing rain. The city is practically in lock-down due to the weather, but at least I'm not alone, and my husband left behind lots of firewood for our fine fireplace insert. There's nothing that will warm the heart more on a cold, gray day than some radiant heat--and perhaps a couple of cups of hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.

Yesterday, my son and I took a long walk in the neighborhood. The neighborhood roads and sidewalks were covered with ice-crusted snow and slick in places, but there were a few folks out enjoying the winter. Some folks had managed to build snowmen before the snow became too icy, and other folks had roped off steep streets where kids and their parents were sledding down the smooth, icy surfaces. In one yard, two men had built a fire and were inviting passersby and neighborhood friends over for cookies and hot chocolate. The walk reminded me of how much I love this town just east of Atlanta. It's been designated the most walkable town in Georgia. Although it's also one of the most densely populated towns in the state, it's also one of the most green urban areas I've ever seen. People care about the environment, community gardens, dog parks, recycling and neighborhood block parties. It's very hard for me to leave. But I've lived in many places, and I know that I will create a space for me and my family to live and to thrive.

Neighbors provide a warm spot from the cold

Neighborhood street roped off for sledding

Another street in the neighborhood full of winter activity

Snowman in our neighborhood

It's a new year. I gotta believe.