FIRST MEAL OF THE NEW YEAR

Oh I know, it's not a very artfully composed shot but I just wanted you to see how lucky I was at table last evening.

The centerpiece is a delightfully sauced Veal Osso Buco, accompanied by a baked potato, braised Brussells sprouts, a fruit salad and a marvelous bottle of Argentinian Malbec wine.

Now, it's back to normal food: tacos and beans tonight.

YUP, IT'S JANUARY FIRST . . . AGAIN

This beginning of a new year was much better than one I remember from many years ago.

On that one, heading home from a couple of parties we shouldn't have gone to I was involved in a wreck in which both cars were totaled and both drivers got DUI tickets.

Fortunately (and amazingly) no injuries in either car.

But last night.

Let me show you how two old people celebrate New Year's Eve.

We shared a bottle of prosecco (nice!) and nibbled on sausage and cheese and crackers that had been gifted to us for Christmas.

Since neither of us can tolerate the faux jollity of the tv hosts at Times Square I surfed the channels until I landed on a Rolling Stones concert.

I learned this morning it was a free gig in Havana, Cuba, in 2016 that drew over a million people to watch the geezers rock out.

We only saw about the last half hour but the Stones are still the greatest rock and roll band and watching the then 72 year old Mick Jagger run from one side of the stage to another and be in near constant motion was amazing.

Once that was over I found a tribute program to old MGM movies and the stars in them.

Seeing old clips of Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, Mario Lanza, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Judy Garland, Debbie Reynolds, Fred Astaire, Esther Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and many more was just what we needed.

I was in bed asleep shortly after 9 p.m.

Judy stayed awake just long enough to watch the ball come down in New York City and then to sleep.

So that's how two geezers "celebrate" New Year's Eve.

But even with the aches and pains of all the years on us, we felt a lot better this morning than we used to with hangover mornings.

Speaking of new mornings, I was looking back in my blog to see if I could find something to post today.

What struck me the most was how many friends of those days gone by who used to comment have disappeared.

Some have died, some have moved on to other venues, some have just given up the game altogether.

I miss them all.

Incidentally, Al Stewart was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 74+ years ago and he's still performing.

So long, 2019!

To all of my many friends around the world, as 2019 comes to an end, may I offer my best wishes for 2020.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Bonne année!

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!

Frohes neues Jahr!

Happy New Year!

CLAFOUTIS

Fresh from the oven . . .

The most difficult part is pitting the cherries without a cherry pitter but Judy took care of that for me.

70 years in the kitchen gives her special skills.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking "He's been doing so many cartoons lately that he's forgotten this is Friday."

Wrong-oh.

I've just been busy with some errands and such so I've gotten a slow start on your funny bones this week.

But before I begin I'd just like to share one I swiped from the BRD yesterday.

Get ready.

And you thought it was only Boxing Day in the United Kingdom.

All right, let us begin.

Since this holiday period, which runs roughly from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, tends to dwell upon food, I think that will be my theme for the rest of these Friday Funnies.

Okay, I kinda cheated on that last one but it's funny, ain't it?

Well, Gentle Readers, have a fantastic weekend, eat and drink well and don't forget to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oh-oh, there's trouble ahead . . .)

PUNNY

My local library (Prescott Valley Public Library) apparently has someone new in charge of their social media with a sense of humor.

This was posted by them on Facebook yesterday.

And a longtime ago colleague of mine, Jolly John, posted this holiday humor.

All I have to do is sit back and aggregate.

THE BIG DAY IS FINALLY HERE

Can't forget our friends in the Doggie World.

Merry Christmas, everyone!