The new year is up and running, and leaving me behind already. Grandparents should not try to keep up with their children and grandchildren. Their pace is much more energetic than mine. Today they're bowling with their friends, the ones they celebrated with last night. I didn't get much sleep due to fireworks, nervous dogs, partiers coming home late with a crying baby, etc. Today I need a nap.

Benji and Pip came down earlier than the rest for breakfast. After he polished off a bowl of oatmeal, our little mechanic decided to give Lightning McQueen an overhaul.


We ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom, then went to Walmart to exchange the video games I bought for Bella and Phin. My idea of going to Western Sizzlin' for lunch was soundly rejected, so if I want health, wealth, and wisdom in this new year, I'll have to cook my own black-eyed peas, greens and ham for supper. I don't mind, as long as I get a nap first.

Later...After the New Year's Day dinner, which was totally unremarkable (except for the fact that I cooked a whole meal in a kitchen with a stopped up sink), Mike went to bed and the rest of us played Scrabble. I put the dogs to bed with Mike, so it wasn't nearly as chaotic as when they are in the mix. Benji is taking Bella and Phin back to Memphis tomorrow, their school starts Weds.