This is the first winter holiday I can remember where on my return home I didn’t have to shovel my car out at the airport or drive home (in 4-wheel drive and third gear) in a blizzard. It is mild here, around freezing, and apparently the weather has been quiet for the two weeks I was away. The maritime winters are not always as severe as the last couple of years. But it does feel strange to be home and not cold at this time of year.
Last night, New Year’s Eve in Montclair, was magical. At around 10 p.m., Tamar, Damian and I walked from their house to the center of Montclair for First Night Celebrations. There had been an intense but not deep snowfall earlier in the day. Listening to the crunching of our footsteps in the snow at night as we walked in the dark, the houses sparkling with lights, a light blanket of snow everywhere, we felt we were in a picture postcard. Dan had preceded us, gone to some earlier performances, and joined us at a jazz concert. Then we gathered with other celebrants for a spectacular fireworks display at midnight: 2006 came in not with a whimper but with a bang!
Posted by leya at January 1, 2006 07:12 PM