Looking back and looking ahead

I've been avoiding posting because I can't find the right words to reflect on 2008 and look forward to 2009. I had a conversation with J about 2008 and he so eloquently said "it sucked, what else is there to say?" Again I had to disagree because we met Myles in 2008. We had 26 of the happiest days of our lives starting on January 21, 2008, but this time period ended with the worst day of our lives on February 16, 2008. I guess 2008 will go down in our history as the best and worst year of our lives. I am hopeful that K will help us have another one of the best days of our lives in 2009! Okay, so that was lame, but I just can't find the words to express my mixed emotions about the last year and my hope for the new year.

So, I guess I'll share a few pics from our New Year's Eve Dinner party. Maybe that will make this post a little better?! I appreciate your compliments regarding the menu. The food was fabulous if I do say so myself! Even the dessert, which again is not my forte, was splendid! I forgot to photograph the food before everyone started eating, but did take a photo of my dinner table and the most amazing martini, x-rated martini, known to woman or man!


Here's a pic of what I was doing to prepare for our guest's arrival and another of what J did to prepare!


A picture of J and I right after we had our New Year's kiss.

A few pic's of J and a couple of our friends doing some crazy dancing a few hours into the new year (of course this was after several beers and much vino!).

New Year's Eve Dinner Party

Tonight I'm hosting a dinner party for 6 friends (was supposed to be 9, but 3 cancelled). I LOVE hosting parties, so I'm excited. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, but baking is another story! I absolutely hate to bake--one of the many things that Rachel Ray and I have in common! ;) Right now I'm prepping things and wanted to take a quick break to check on my blogworld friends! What are you doing for NY Eve?

Here's my menu for tonight:

Appetizers:
-Bacon wrapped water chestnuts
-Cranberry turkey pinwheels
-Shrimp cocktail
-Olive tapendade with cracked pepper crackers
-Roasted red pepper spread on crostini

Salad: Mixed greens tossed with orange segments, parmeson cheese & an amazing orange vinaigrette served with crusty breads and herbed olive oil for dipping

Main Course:
-Grilled filet mignon
-Roasted garlic parmeson twice baked potatoes
-Almondine carrots

Dessert: Lemon berry trifle and coffee with Bailey's Irish Cream

Drinks: X-rated martinis made with ruby red grapefruit juice (these are my fave!), tons of wine, and of course a variety of way too expensive beer to please J

I'm sure I'm making WAY too much food, but that's pretty typical for me. I'd rather have tons of leftovers that not have enough food. I'll try to take some photos later and post them. So, what do you think of my menu?

(Tomorrow I will post my farewell to 2008 and the ringing in of 2009 ... I have so much to say!)