We didn't get a corporate gift per se, but everyone in Operations got a frittata pan.

I bought one of those for myself last year, so this one will be going to my sister. Who makes a lot of frittatas. So it all works out.

Last year we all got asparagus steamers, which I also already had, but the gift one was a different style so I decided it was okay for me to have two. I might need to steam a whole lot of asparagus, after all.

OK, time to make some black-eyed peas, etc.

I don't think I'll be staying up to watch the ball drop this year. Instead I'll get a jump on the new year by hiding in bed asleep and surprising it early in the morning when it has a hangover.

I'll be initiating Yosemite download and going to bed after watching the fireworks. Hopefully it'll finish by morning.

I just got home. After a few years of dragging ourselves out, my friend C and I almost accidentally discovered that going out for early drinks and then retiring home to our respective dogs and couches made for a good entry to the new year.

I still need to schlep the dog out. Anyone want to come by and do that for me?

Or I'm impatient and start now. 2 hrs download to go....

I haven't decided if I'm staying up 'til midnight or not. I was up until nearly ten last night without even trying, so anything could happen.

Finally sampled cookies. Adding pecans makes that the dominant flavor over the bourbon and chocolate.

Dog has been outed. Not to her liking (she stayed out in the yard for SIX HOURS yesterday in under 5 degree temps) but good enough for government work.

I think I've OD'd on mashed potatoes. I had a big plate of them with garlic and cheese, and now my brain doesn't brain and I want to go to sleep at 9 PM. With large fireworks already started in the neighborhood, that doesn't seem like a workable plan.

Happy New Year, everyone! I celebrated with drinks and snacks at my upstairs neighbor's. All the joy of going "out" for NYE, but none of the sharing the road with amature drunks.