And will it be a patch on 2010? I know you suspect I’ve been lazing about the place eating leftover bonbons and reading mysteries, but I’ve been poring over a year’s worth of posts and comments. What did I love best? What struck a chord with you? And where did I hide those pictures of mushrooms anyway? It was like being in the attic all over again.
Here is an odd assortment of memories of 2010. There is no theme, no organizational principle. I picked some things I liked, pretty much the way I pick a bouquet of wildflowers. I thought you might like to be reminded of these things, too.
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Then there’s Katherine’s portrait of Sierra. I had it in the collage, but I thought it deserved a place of its own.
Finally, back in February Babs stopped to make a photo of a nice old house sitting by the side of the road, humming to itself. It turned out well. She sent it off on a Sunday night, her weekly gift to all of us. I like to earn my keep around here with a line or two of prose, so I trotted off to see what I could learn. People who loved the house told me its stories and sent me to more people. One thing led to another, and when it all came together, the post resonated beyond what I could possibly have imagined. The Yellow Brick House is my favorite post.
But wait, wait – where are the pictures of the beach? The apple orchards? The cherries and apricots on the trees? Where are the cute little kids, and the crotchety Civil War Veterans? Where is the snow? Well, I figure we’ll have a bit of all that here and there throughout 2011. Who knows what else we’ll find out there? Happy New Year.
Torch Lake Views 
P.j. grath
January 1, 2011
Nice collage! I see a lot of my favorites here, Gerry, and it’s good to see them again. Isn’t it fun to wonder what we’ll see in the twelvemonth just beginning? Can’t say it too often: Happy new year to you!
Gerry
January 2, 2011
‘Morning, PJ. We would cheerfully receive Happy New Year greetings all year round, and send them winging back doubly blessed. Maybe this will be the year when every day feels like a brand new start. That would be good. Happy new day!
Fee
January 2, 2011
Here’s to a great 2011, looking forward to lots more lovely pictures, and a fascinating view of the America we don’t see on prime-time television. I’ll leave you with a traditional Scottish toast (applicable all year, not just New Year);
Here’s tae us, for wha’s like us? Gey few, an’ they’re a’ deid!
(Here’s to us, for who’s like us? Very few, and they’re all dead!)
Gerry
January 2, 2011
I knew there was a reason for doing this blog. God forbid that the world see only the America of prime-time television.
But a better reason than that even is Scottish lessons! And so long as I can toast I must not be deid! Here’s tae us, Fee!
flandrumhill
January 2, 2011
If only all homes were like that yellow brick house… maybe they are… just waiting for Babs and Gerry to reveal their beauty along with the stories that make them such treasures.
As photos go, I have taken a special liking to that one of the writing studio and bait shop. It has cosy written all over it. The variety of the subject matter in your collage is nicely knit together with the bright greens from Babs’ sweater, the muppet chestnut and the cat’s eyes. Similarly I like the way you always tie so many different topics together with a magical sprinkling of Nature 🙂
Gerry
January 2, 2011
All houses are full of stories. Not all stories are lovely ones. This house had its share of sadness, but even in sadness it offered strength. Even in 2010, its memories were a comfort to a young man far away from home. What a good house.
I’m glad you liked the collage, Amy. Of course every time I look at it I think about what isn’t there that I would like to be there. Ah well. Next time.
Anna
January 2, 2011
Wonderful collage and photos, and how they each tell a story all their own. Love the stone house and snow scene… my kind of photo! A favorite of mine of your photos is the old barn and vivid tree. 🙂
Gerry
January 2, 2011
Thank you, Anna. I’m fond of that tree myself.
isathreadsoflife
January 2, 2011
Bonjour Gerry 🙂 I see the New Year has started beautifully for you and that makes me happy ! But who says there is no organizational principle in your mosaic ? I can see stories unfolding there…
You see, those two loyal dogs were waiting patiently for two ladies taking time and enjoying their breakfast. The two friends were also waiting… for mushrooms to be added to a delicious looking omelette 😉 The sun rose over the lake and the forest where pretty white flowers were shivering in a new morning. Fall had arrived and lit up an old shed as well as chestnuts, just ready to be roasted and tasted. A greeneyed cat felt in its long whiskers that some cheeky mice may hide under the shy forest flowers. He stopped and stared. Betty´s smile looked so happy 🙂 she was going to meet you at the Writing Studio. A cosy house in the heart of Winter but soon… apricot trees would blossom !
Happy New Year, Gerry.
Gerry
January 2, 2011
Thank you, Isa, and may your year be as fine as the one you’ve mapped out for me! I like the way your mind works.
uphilldowndale
January 2, 2011
Happy New Year Gerry, I couldn’t possible pick my favourite out that selection, each a gem!!
Gerry
January 2, 2011
Why thank you and Happy New Year to you, too. I almost put in a nice bit of shale–that would have been your favorite–but it didn’t seem to fit. Don’t feel bad. The pineapple casserole and the pot roast didn’t fit, either, and you know how I feel about those.
Giiid
January 2, 2011
Of all these nice photos, my favorite is the one showing you and Babs sitting at a reserved table. What could be more cozy than sitting there with you two. At a reserved table. The Cowboy and Miss Sadie is a favorite, too. Patiently waiting for you, sitting there…Isa have written the rest.
Once more; Happy new year.
Gerry
January 2, 2011
That morning at Sonny’s was particularly enjoyable. But then, any day that begins with breakfast at Chris and Sonny’s is a good day.
And once more . . . happy new year back . . . 🙂 We are piling up the good wishes for the day when we will need them. I’m thinking the middle of February would be a good time to haul them out.
Jill McLaughlin
January 4, 2011
Well if that isnt the cutest donkey I ever did see Gerry OH wait I see her every day now that she and Cheyenne are home with me LOL Miss you all over on that side hope to see you soon.
Jill
Gerry
January 4, 2011
Hey, Jill – that is the cutest li’l donkey in the whole world. Give a person fair warning when you’re coming over here and a person can rustle up excellent treats.
Preston
January 5, 2011
I remember the donkey. I love that donkey. If I could, I would bring it inside and let it rest by my chair as Moppet and I read the newspaper. However, on one photo shoot, Moppet tore out after a few donkeys I had tried to photograph. Scared the heck out of me. I was worried a donkey would kick Moppet, but Moppet came out the victor as he returned cresting the hill he had disappeared behind.
Gerry
January 5, 2011
I love that donkey, too. I understand they’re very sociable. Perhaps Moppet did not so much come out the victor as make friends. 🙂
Belinda
January 5, 2011
Such pretty pictures.
Gerry
January 5, 2011
Thank you.