So hard to believe that another year is just about to end. For almost all of us, this year has continued to make us aware of some tough realities in the economy and in the state of the World. But for now, I hope you will join me in picking out a number of really wonderful moments in your life this 2010.

Some of my moments would include: knowing that I have met a great many interesting, special people again this year who continue to help me see life through their eyes. My younger daughter produced her third healthy child. My oldest granddaughter got braces. Small moments, it might seem. But for me, a really big deal…the kind of moments that will always make you smile and warm inside. Sound corny? Perhaps. But true, nonetheless.

OK. Now, on to the New Year! It’s really lovely that we have a chance to look forward, to make a plan, to imagine a new start, and oh yes, to make those ever-optimistic ‘New Year’s resolutions’! It gives us all the chance to re-think, re-form and re-do some things that are important to us. So, you can tell that there is a serious side to the New Year that’s just about here.

But, of course there’s also a fun and joyful side of our New Year’s celebrations…the kind that makes you want to laugh. Hats. Horns and noise-makers. Confetti. And perhaps a toast at midnight. Yes, for those of you who love to stay up late to welcome the New Year in, have a fabulous time! A bed and breakfast innkeeper, more than likely, is not a ‘night person’ anymore…that early-rising-time-required- to-prepare-breakfast for you puts a bit of a damper on staying up to midnight, even on New Year’s Eve.

So, since we have an English theme and love ‘all things British’ at this bed and breakfast, I do a little celebratory smile and sing “Auld Lang Syne” at 7pm Eastern time in Asheville North Carolina on December 31st. Why? Because England is 5 hours ahead and that means that 7 pm Eastern time is actually midnight in England! So you too can celebrate the start of the New Year 2011 for any time-zone you like…you can start early or end late!

Whichever you choose, I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous New Year 2011 that will also bring you great happiness!