Friday, December 30, 2022

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Everyone!
If you celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah, I hope you had
an enjoyable and meaningful time with your loved ones and friends.

Sunrise, Today, on Almost New Year's Eve
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 30, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved


Terry and I had lots of fun at home on Christmas Day
and then a lovely time with his sister Noreen, brother-in-law Cathal, and their grown "kids."

Terry, Early Christmas Morning
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 25, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved






Me, Early Christmas Morning
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 25, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved


As for "the reason for the season," the birth of Christ,
I listened to a sermon given by my blogging friend, Jeff,
who is the pastor of two small Presbyterian churches (Mayberry and Bluemont) 
along the Blue Ridge parkway in Southwestern Virginia.

Jeff and I were blogging friends for several years before I knew
that he was The Reverend Doctor Jeff Garrison.
I had suspected that Jeff was a minister because of his interests and activities,
but at the time he was keeping his personal blog separate from his religious life
(as far as I knew).

It's no secret that organized religion and I have had our differences
and that I have some unconventional beliefs ~
Okay, I probably would have been burned at the stake as a heretic in the past ~
but Jeff is one of several special people who keep me connected
with my Christian roots.

I claim to be an agnostic, but I do believe in a Spiritual Presence, 
a Creator who is beyond anything we can imagine as human beings.
Quantum physics is one confirmation for scientific me.


This Image Illustrates an Atom
Wikipedia 






NASA’s Webb Delivers Deepest Infrared Image of Universe Yet
"Webb’s image covers a patch of sky approximately the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length by someone on the ground – and reveals thousands of galaxies in a tiny sliver of vast universe" ~ NASA
Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI


Meanwhile I find spiritual meaning and hope in Jeff's sermons and musings.
If you enjoy engrossing stories and poems, excellent book reviews,
the great outdoors, philosophical discussions,
travel adventures, and thought-provoking sermons,
I highly recommend Jeff's blog From A Rocky Hillside.


🌠  ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ 


On Friday I like to participate in Rain's Thursday Art Date and Nicole's Friday Face Off, 
even if my main post topic is about something else.

Rain's theme this week is New Year's Eve Party!
Sadly, I had to go back to 2015 to find party photos.
We were at our favorite restaurant Parkway Bar and Grill.
My camera was having a great time (and perhaps a little tipsy)!

Terry at a New Year's Eve Party
Parkway Bar and Grill
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 31, 2015
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved

The truth is Terry and I usually stay home for New Year's Eve.
We think it's too dangerous to go out,
especially with people distracted, drinking, and driving,
sometimes in bad weather or with dicey road conditions.
We'll chance an evening at Parkway, but we don't like driving, 
even a short half-mile distance on the road.
 
Me at a New Year's Eve Party
Parkway Bar and Grill
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 31, 2015
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved

We usually have a quiet evening together at home watching the ball drop in Times Square.
This was my one photo from New Year's Eve 2022.

A Blue Wildebeest, also called a Brindled Gnu
(My best guess at identification)
Tembe Elephant Park ~ Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.






Location of Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Wikipedia

Note:  Eswatini was Swaziland prior to April 2018
                                            Lesotho was the British Crown Colony Basutoland prior to 1966 



🌠  ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ 


For Nicole's Friday Face Off, I'm sharing a few faces.

Our Nephew Conor and His Girlfriend Dessie
Denver, Colorado USA
December 25, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




Bruno
Denver, Colorado USA
December 25, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved





Terry and I at a New Year's Eve Party
Parkway Bar and Grill
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 31, 2015
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved





An Absorbed Face
Aurora, Colorado USA
December 29, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved


I hope 2023 brings each of you happiness, health, fulfillment, and love!





Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

  My next post will be on 
Wednesday, January 4, 2023.  ðŸ¤ž



On the Bay of Fundy
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved






Some New Year Funnies














































This has nothing to do with New Years Eve,
but is tangentially related to quantum physics.

The dog is sleepy from quantum physics class.
A very friendly dog that has been living outside the main building for physics
for the last few weeks at Simón Bolívar University.
Juan Tello at Flickr ~ October 24, 2008


This has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but I love it!
I lifted it from one of my blogging friends.
It speaks to my alter ego ~ lol!




🌠  ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ   ðŸŒ 

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33 comments:

  1. Debra She Who SeeksDecember 30, 2022 at 5:21 PM

    Hahahahaha, good memes, good memories, and yes I will check out Jeff's blog! Have a great quiet New Year's and may 2023 be an outstanding year for you and Terry!

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 30, 2022 at 6:37 PM

      Thanks, Debra! Wishing you and your Rare One a wonderful new year!

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  2. DVArtistDecember 30, 2022 at 5:33 PM

    All the beautiful faces. I love seeing you and hubs. You know how much I appreciate you joining FFO. Wishing you the very best for 2023

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 30, 2022 at 6:43 PM

      Thanks, Nicole! I really enjoy FFO, but I especially love having met you! Have a creative and happy 2023! Hugs to you, my talented friend!

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  3. Elephant's ChildDecember 30, 2022 at 5:42 PM

    A very happy and healthy New Year to you and yours. It is around midday on New Year's Eve here - and I already know I won't see the New Year in. She knows the way and doesn't need me to wait up for her.
    Like you, we choose to stay home. Himself will probably be up when the new year arrives. I will not.
    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photo.
    I am also an agnostic - with leanings towards atheism. I respect other people's views and wish that they also respected mine.

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 30, 2022 at 7:47 PM

      Thanks, Sue! I spent quite a bit of time writing a response to your comment and accidentally erased it. 😱 I am too tired to rewrite it tonight, but I'll try to tomorrow. I respect you and your beliefs.

      Delete
  4. JeffDecember 30, 2022 at 5:44 PM

    Thank you for the shout-out and I am glad to know you find something in my words. Have a wonderful New Years Eve. My plans were completely undone with COVID :(

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 30, 2022 at 7:50 PM

      I read about your Covid, Jeff, and I hope you recover from it quickly! Your words mean a great deal to me, and I think about them a lot. Happy New Year to you!

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  5. My name is Erika.December 30, 2022 at 6:38 PM

    I heard there was a lot of snow in Colorado from one of these storms moving across the country. You had a white Christmas. And I like those big stockings. I love it. It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday, even if you are spending it stateside. Have a Happy New Year! And enjoy this holiday weekend. hugs-Erika

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 31, 2022 at 10:22 AM

      Thanks, Erika! I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend too! Yes, we had a lot of snow, and it was bitterly cold, especially in the strong winds (-24ºF/-31ºC). Big stockings were a tradition in my family. We five kids enjoyed it so much that we began sneaking stockings under the tree for our parents and our Nana when our youngest sister was five. We've continued the tradition into our adult lives and families. Terry has embraced the fun. Have a great 2023! Hugs to you!

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  6. ChristineDecember 30, 2022 at 8:49 PM

    Fun post happy new year!

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 31, 2022 at 10:23 AM

      Thanks, Christine! I hope you have enjoyed the holidays, and I wish you all the best in 2023! Hugs to you!

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  7. roentareDecember 30, 2022 at 10:01 PM

    Gorgeous, beautiful family photos! Happy new year to you too!

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 31, 2022 at 10:25 AM

      Thanks, Roentare! We have so much fun during the holidays. Wishing you a happy and creative new year!

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  8. Valerie-JaelDecember 31, 2022 at 2:15 AM

    Hi Luise! Happy New Year to you and yours, stay safe and healthy! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 31, 2022 at 10:26 AM

      Hugs back at you, Valerie! Safe and healthy are definitely two of my goals. Have a wonderful 2023!

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  9. JeanieDecember 31, 2022 at 9:18 AM

    I love seeing your holidays, past and present. Thank you for the introduction to Jeff and for sharing those fabulous faces, including sweet Bruno. I'm glad I "met" you here online in 2022 and look forward to more visits next year. Happy New Year!

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    1. Fundy BlueDecember 31, 2022 at 10:36 AM

      Thanks, Jeanie! I'm glad I met you too! Isn't Bruno sweet? I adore labs, even though my favorite dog ever was my independent and proud Scottie, MacBeath. Terry and I would have a dog, but we love to travel and it wouldn't be fair to the dog. Have a happy new year! Hugs to you!

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  10. bailiDecember 31, 2022 at 10:18 AM

    You guys look fantastic at Christmas dear Louise!
    Count me either among those who like stay at home during such busy and crowded times and like to celebrate with close family members: )
    I really enjoyed the funnies first gave me spontaneous laughter.
    I liked Jef 'place. I share your leaning over spirituality more than religion. What hurts me most that i see religions people heartless that makes me wonder what kind of God they talk about.

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    1. Fundy BlueJanuary 1, 2023 at 5:13 PM

      Thanks, Baili! Terry and I had a lovely time at home together last night celebrating the arrival of 2023. With regard to organized religion, I left my church because I was upset over it becoming too political. I see too much hate, discrimination, and intolerance. A lot of cruel and terrible things have been done in the name of religion. I, too, have wondered what kind of God they worship based on their actions. I hate hypocrisy, and I see so much of that too. I hope that 2023 is a good year for you and your family. Sending you much love!

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  11. Janie JunebugDecember 31, 2022 at 12:33 PM

    I love your photos and the memes. Bruno is a handsome fellow. I'll be at home tonight, too, suffering with Franklin & Penelope through the fireworks and gunshots. I've given them the first of their chill pills and when I finish work I might chill myself with a margarita. Happy New Year, Louise and Terry!

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Fundy BlueJanuary 1, 2023 at 5:16 PM

      Happy New Year to you too, Janie! My dog MacBeath used to hate the fireworks and gunshots as well. I'm looking forward to a margarita this evening, because we usually go out to a neighborhood Mexican restaurant on Sunday evening. I'm ready to chill! Wishing you all the best in the coming year. Hugs and love to you!

      Delete
  12. Bleubeard and ElizabethDecember 31, 2022 at 5:46 PM

    What a fun retrospective and a wonderful look into your colorful Christmas. Happy New Year wishes to you and your loved ones.

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  13. LeighJanuary 1, 2023 at 3:51 AM

    Great post. Happy New Year!

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    1. Fundy BlueJanuary 1, 2023 at 5:17 PM

      Thanks, Leigh! Happy New Year to you and yours!

      Delete
  14. David M. Gascoigne,January 1, 2023 at 5:23 AM

    All the very best for 2023, Louise. May the year bring great happiness. David

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    1. Fundy BlueJanuary 1, 2023 at 5:18 PM

      Thanks, David! I wish the same to your and your loved ones. May you enjoy wonderful hikes and see spectacular birds!

      Delete
  15. TomJanuary 1, 2023 at 2:37 PM

    ...that sunrise is a great reason to get up out of bed in the morning. Take care and stay happy and healthy in 2023.

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    1. Fundy BlueJanuary 1, 2023 at 5:20 PM

      Thanks, Tom! Healthy is certainly at the top of my list. I'm focusing on stretching as a health goal this month. All the best to you, your wife, and family in 2023!

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  16. MarthaJanuary 2, 2023 at 8:56 AM

    "I probably would have been burned at the stake as a heretic in the past" HAHAHA! You and me both, Louise. They would throw in my two cats, as well. What a fun post! Happy New Year to you and Terry! Wishing you both good health, happiness and many more adventures! Hugs to you, my friend. xo

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  17. Carola BartzJanuary 3, 2023 at 12:43 PM

    Hi Louise, first, I wish you a happy and healthy 2023 filled with laughter and joy. I enjoyed your post very much. Like you, we prefer to stay home on New Year's Eve, have a good dinner and a bottle of bubbly way before midnight. We hardly made it to midnight this time. I'm not much of a religious person, I'm more of an agnostic. I am pretty much out off by organized religion in this country, especially the hypocrisy and the politics. However, I do believe in some spiritual presence without knowing how this "looks" like. I will definitely visit Jeff's blog, thank you for the recommendation.

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  18. The Happy WhiskJanuary 10, 2023 at 2:03 PM

    We don't go out, loved the cartoons. Any sorta drinking holiday and we stay home and safe and just enjoy it. Happy 2023!

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  19. Rain January 17, 2023 at 10:47 AM

    Bruno is so cute! ♥♥ Alex and I officially made 10pm our new midnight for New Year's Eve lol we couldn't stay awake! Wishing you all the best for 2023 Louise, with AMAZING health and not broken bones please!!! ♥♥

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate them very much.

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