A NEW YEAR . . .

The non-surprise surprise party was a blast, enhanced by a dancing Cha-Cha Santa (that actually does the Cha-Cha), many taunting mini-bundt cakes, a container of dreaded pudding, Absolut Vanilla, mounds and mounds of beloved pasta and carbs, much Yankee paraphernelia, a blue pig, an unexpected guest appearance by Cheech (hmmm, my friends are much wilier than I had previously thought!), big-head contests and well-behaved roosters.

From the bottom of my heart, an overwhelming outpouring of love and thanks to J2, Soy, Jaime, JC, JK, JS, C&M, N&M, Cheech, DYC, Banana and Dr.&Mrs.G (who have recently joined me in the traffic infraction ticket club -- congratulations!).

It's going to be a good year.