THE MUMMERS ON NEW YEARS

Happy New Year everyone!

As suspected, the Mistress had a very enjoyable evening, an excellent dinner, a few stiff ones and was home by 1am. I arose around noon! Of course, the Pork and sauerkraut dinner will be just about ready to come out of the oven. The house smells so good.  Of course, you just know, the traditions continue here as I never miss the legendary Mummers Parade, a huge tradition in Philadelphia, and celebrating their 125 year!  It's the longest running folk parade in the country, one where you can see blue collar and loads of straight men in full regalia to rival any drag show. It's now also gotten voted the best parade in the US. I have always loved it, as Philadelphia, for a large city, has such a great sense of community...and everyone comes together to enjoy the day long... literally, festivities. The Mummers Parade is an elaborate, annual New Years Day tradition featuring mummers heavily costumed in feathers and sequins, in their categories... fancies, comics, wench brigades and string bands who dance and perform music with elaborate productions. It got its start in European folk customs dating back centuries, and the name Mummers derive their name from the Mummers' play preformed in Philadelphia in the 18th century as part of a wide variety of working-class street celebrations around Christmas. Many of the groups and bands have been in the parade for over 40 and 50 years, with generations of family members in the Mummers, of all ages too...5-6 year old... all the way up to people in their 70-80's. Heck, even President Geroge Washington carried on the official custom on New Years Day calls during the seven years he occupied President's House in Philadelphia. The first official parade was held January 1. 1901. Enjoy the current pictures from the parade and some vintage. Here's to another 125 years!!!

It's been a nice day all told. I was out to fill the bird feeders and saw this...

I have never seen a Robin in January. That must mean something?

Like I said. all told a lovely New Years Day. Excuse me now...the pork is calling.

A Happy New Years to you all!!!!

GOODBYE 2025

 
Goodbye 2025.

While I was still very appalled by the going-ons in the world and country, I can say thank you for the good you did manage to bring. For the moments of laughter, the unexpected joys, more travel and the quiet days that reminded me how lucky I am to have friends and family who show up, stay close and make life full. I'm grateful for my health, for the people who held me up and for the memories that made the bright spots worth holding into. Including my blogging friends.

But 2025 wasn't all that gentle either the whole way through. I had more death in it then usual- people I loved, friends, family, a co-worker, drag sisters and my beloved pet and blog stalwart here, Buster Bolfig Borghese. I still miss my phone conversations with Joy, a wonderful blogger in the past and good friend. All souls who left holes that won't and can't be filled. Their absence will echo into the new year, and I'll carry them with me always.

And while my personal world had mostly happiness and bright spots my heart weeped for this country and many parts of the world, which continued to feel evil, heavy, going backwards, filled with hatefulness and stupidity and downright frustrating. I live for the day I can see at least three leaders in a pine box and six feet under. Many people, many, felt let down by the national leadership and that weight shaped the year in ways that were very hard to ignore. Those challenges don't erase the good, but they still contine and that is not a good thing.

Still...here we are- closing the chapter, whether ready or not. Tired, battled, wiser for some of us and ready to step into something new, and one that will hopefully bring some change. While I look forward with positivity and happiness for myself, I admit, cards on the table, no hope for the country. I look forward tonight to having a nice relaxing dinner out with friends, still watching what I eat... a cock-a-tail, or two, and will be home shortly after the balls drop.

Here's to 2026 bringing more light, more peace, good health and more reasons to hope.

A Happy New Years Eve to us all.

🎇✨🎆🥂

BOOZE HOUND

It seems all the Mistress's pups don't fall far from the tree. We know Buster and Lillith had their love of gin...why should Sophie Lucille be any different? 

Seems Santie brought Sophie a bottle of cheer.

I can see the hangovers already. But at least she took a page from her Mistress's book on how to lazy about with style and attitude.

*And yes, she is indeed wearing a sweater in the one picture. I don't normally condone this, but since the poor thing is only 15 lbs and a wee nibbling, it goes on in cold temps when she has to go out.  Otherwise, Bah Humbug.

MOOD BOARD

 

Another two-day work week!!! I could get used to this. I couldn't let a last Monday go by in the year without a mood board. It's been a lovely season all told, considering. We are currently awaiting to hear what the family has decided on a memorial for my uncle. It will be tough since the family is scattered all over the US. I do know he did not want to funeral service. I stopped by yesterday to drop off some baked goods for some friends, to find their Christmas decorations down already!! WHAT? They usually decorate right after Thanksgiving. Which drive me nuts when people rush holidays. By time the day gets here, they are tired and burnt out of it. Which is why I don't immerse myself or decorate too early. Plus all their friends and guest have been stopping in only to find the atmosphere gone already. I generally keep my trimmings up to the week after New Years. I have long liked giving each holiday it's time. I'm also ready to hibernate.

Here's to the last Monday in 2025!!!!