Happy New Year

My recycled New Year's Eve tradition for you all, kids.

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. - Benjamin Franklin

For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. – T.S. Eliot


In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want. – Traditional Irish toast


A health to you, a wealth to you, And the best
that life can give to you.


May you never lie, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in each other's arms. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink with all of us, because we love you.


Love to one, friendship to many, and good will to all.

Happy 2010, my friends. May the New Year always be better
than the old.

In Which Matterdays Is Visited By The Ghost Of College Friends Past.

My very dear friend Jodi - whom I went to college with and have not seen in at least 16 years - made the long trek from Columbus, Ohio to Seattle this week to spend Thanksgiving with us. I was, admittedly, nervous about seeing her - what if we had nothing in common and nothing to say to each other after so long? My fears were unfounded, since we have kept in touch on and off all this time. She reminded me quite quickly what a warm, gracious, intelligent and charming woman she is. It went by far too quickly.

My camera was not as active as I had wanted it to be, but our wonderful few days together - and her first visit to Seattle - are at least captured in a few highlights.

We ventured down to Pioneer Square - here's the big totem pole by the pergola:

First Avenue in Pioneer Square - my old stomping grounds, in a way. I really miss working down here:

The ferry terminal at Colman Dock:

Arriving at Pike Place Market:

Putting up the Christmas Tree at the Market:

Christmas decorations at the Market:

The famous "fish throwers" stand. Didn't see any fish thrown - but still entertaining:

The view from the back of the Market over Elliott Bay towards West Seattle:

Looking northwest at a barge:

The Space Needle and downtown from Kerry Park on Queen Anne - with a dramatic view of Mt. Rainier:

The Port of Seattle and West Seattle:

Panorama of Seattle:

Proving that Jodi really was here (how cute is she?):

Wednesday was her birthday - and Scott bought her a cake shaped like a turkey:

We considered posting this as our Thanksgiving dinner:

Jodi and Scott (yes, she's wearing a sweater from The Ohio State University):

Thursday morning - ready to go in the oven:

Jodi helping with dinner:

La Table:

Me and Jodi (nice extra chins, Matt):

During dinner:

The aftermath - table cleared:

Scott bought this - A Charlie Brown Christmas tree - I love it:

Friday morning - after taking Jodi to the airport at 5 a.m. - Stoli already misses her new sleeping buddy:

I'm absolutely exhausted from trying to get the house presentable for a houseguest ... and to be honest, I'm pretty lonely tonight. Jodi's back in Columbus, Scott is working late. But I have great memories and it was so wonderful to reconnect live with someone who has been such a dear friend to me.

Happy Thanksgiving Jodi and all of my friends ... you're all invited for next year.

This Just Sucks.

When bad things happen to incredible people.

No one is safe. Grrrr.

Thank zod I know she'll land on her feet. Running, even.

Go show her some love. She's a good one. One of the best.

Happy New Year

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man."


"A health to you, a wealth to you,
And the best that life can give to you."


"May you never lie, cheat, or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in each other's arms.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink with all of us
because we love you."


"May you live as long as you want,
and never want as long as you live."


"Love to one, friendship to many, and good will to all."

Happy New Year, my friends. May the New Year always be better than the old.

Holiday Party No. 2

The annual party at our friend Boyd's house ... you may recognize some things from last year's party ...

The cheapest gas I've bought in months:

Crazy Lights house down the street from Boyd. They flashed, zoomed, and awed. And mostly, frightened us:

The Upside Down Tree (Boyd has 22 trees this year). I covet this:

And even more, I covet the fireplace, with the silver penguin cocktail shakers and candlesticks:

Sheila and Scott:

Corinne and Scott (no, the pointsettias are not attached to his hair):

Dad Kevin beating Janelle to the punch:

Everyone's happier upside down:

Even Griffin:

Mom Jeannie and Griffin ... awwww:

At home - it snowed about two inches while we were gone:

And looking the other way:

I love snow!

MatterThanksgivingPics

We got a maid service to come on Wednesday. Up early on Thursday - why did the cat pee in the dining room today?!? Turkey brined overnight out on the deck in a cooler with water, salt, sugar, allspice, garlic and thyme. Baked and cooled pumpkin pie early. Made stuffing and got Mr. Gobble in the oven. Mashed potatoes early. Got the table set and the cat pee cleaned up. Roasted yams with olive oil, salt, thyme and real maple syrup. Guests came. Cathy and John brought great cheeses, fresh bread, grapes, port, and Maya. Diane brought incredible creamed corn and wine (she knows us so well). Last-minute dash to get everything on the table together. Everything worked out. Exhausted. Slept heavier than I have in weeks.