I had no intent to stay up until midnight last evening. Maggie was snuggled down on her pillow fast asleep, and my pillow was calling, but I’ve been under-the-weather with bronchitis and a cough that will not let me rest. And so with millions of others, I watched the revelers in Time Square as the beautiful crystal ball dropped. As 2012 slipped away and I wished it good riddance, the sound of fireworks boomed outside my house.

The sky looked like the 4th of July, only prettier, as the fireworks were reflected in the snow-covered ground. Across the street, my neighbor’s Christmas tree was shining as brightly as the sky. I was almost thankful for the illness that kept me awake for this lovely living Christmas card.

I have many hopes for this New Year: hope that our elected officials will somehow come together as they should for the benefit of all, hope that there will be jobs and paychecks for working folks and helping hands for those in need, hopes for no more violence, hopes for easily accessed mental-health care, and hopes that all the dogs and kitties have a pillow to sleep on.

I don’t usually make resolutions or set goals, but for myself, I hope that my newest book, Tattler’s Branch, pleases my readers and that I make the correct decision about my next project.

I’d love to hear how you celebrated the New Year, and what your hopes and dreams for 2013 are.