David and I began New Year's Eve by having dinner at Szechuan Kitchen on Broadway Avenue with Judy and the Nieman-Williamseses. Then we went to a party at Todd and Daryl's place with most of our Friday night coffee group. Both events featured much laughter, which is a great way to start a new year!

On New Year's Day, David, Judy and I attended my family gathering on the farm near Raymore where my sister Louise and her husband Larry live. As always when my family gets together, there was lots of good-natured teasing, laughter and a reference to novelty underwear.