At H’s buddy’s house, we were among the few older guests so we stayed the whole time and talked with him and the few guests who came to see him until past midnight. We had a nice time but would have been happy to leave if others had come to keep him company. Since he was H’s best friend we felt obligated to stick around. We had a nice time and think the kids did (playing board games downstairs with the younger adults) since they surprised us by staying until about 11 (tho they broghtva 2nd car for more flexibility).
I took a dip in a northern lake.
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I am hand-grating onions and potatoes to bring latkes to my dear goyische friends/former neighbors a little later today.
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Looking forward to cocktails and appetizers with a goup of friends later this afternoon.
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In the kitchen with DH prepping dinner for friends this afternoon. We usually do this NYE but went to a cocktail party instead.
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Awesome. Good choice of wines, too.
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Thanks but, actually, these friends aren’t that much into wine, so DH pulled the Earthquake instead of the Silver Oak. Sigh. We’ll open that one with a “better” set of friends next week. 
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Lol, I know what you are talking about! 
Earthquake is quite decent. My husband would do the same! Although we loaded up on D2, so that gets pulled out pretty much every time dinner with friends calls for red wine.
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@ChoatieMom - did you make the chair sashes? Love them.
I made shrimp with pasta last night, which was a treat for H. We turned in early because it had been a babysitting day for little GD and we have older GD all day today. Luckily, we both slept through the fireworks at midnight. I’m enjoying a few minutes of rest while H has GD outside on our playground. We may have both tomorrow morning, but haven’t heard from their parents yet. Older GD will be back Saturday.
School resumes Monday and I plan to sleep in that morning. It’s a far cry from our New Year’s of 40+ years ago, but we love having time with the GDs.
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Back in our early childless years when we lived in the city, we would throw a NYE party. Following our party, we would all go for a very late night meal at somewhere like Maxim Chicago. But most friends lived in the suburbs and weather was an issue. So we switched to a Bastille Day party which became very popular.
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I love a host/hostess that make the occasion extra special. Enjoy and Happy 2025!
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I remember those days. Good times.
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No, Amazon years ago, but every year I have to re-watch this video to get them tied properly (and use T-pins to prop the loops up and pinch the covers tight around the top of the chairs. It’s an ordeal. I don’t do it every year.
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One year, someone at the next booth set her napkin on fire and was annoyed when I was trying to get her attention. “Yes, dear,what is it?” she rudely replied. I told her and she turned to her husband and said, “I guess I made an ass of myself again.”
Another year someone tried to tell the waiter she wasn’t ready for her dessert soufflé and tried to send it back. “Sorry, Madame, we can’t do that.”
Our Grand Marnier soufflé last night:
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Everybody’s food sounds amazing. Fancy menus! Here, I’m making ham and augratin potatoes to get rid of some ham, lol!!! We’ll be drinking tap water with it. 
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I’m quarantined at home with shingles. Last night was Indian take-out and tonight is corned beef and cabbage, for good luck, something I could use right now.
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We had a wonderful dinner last night, and brunch this morning with the same people we have been celebrating with for about 33 years. Great appetizers, then lamb dinner with Potatoes Romanoff (my contribution in addition to some Prosecco), and broiled asparagus. Dessert was a pecan, chocolate and bourbon pie (I couldn’t even think about even tasting it, but it looked good)
Brunch today was a breakfast dish from pioneer woman, and it was excellent. And lemon ricotta pancakes which were excellent!
Next year, the group is letting me do the main course. I need to think of something…good!
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That soufflé looks amazing, @Marilyn. 
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Credit to husband who spent seemingly hours on various prep work. He also made a crème anglaise flavored with chocolate orange liqueur, which wasn’t quite the right texture but tasted fine.
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