Scenes from the big New Year's bash

I can remember a time back in my yuppie days when New Year's Eve was fraught with social pressures ... having a date, shopping for a new cocktail dress, getting an invitation to the right party. But you know what? No matter how handsome the date or how pretty the dress or how festive those parties were, I never had as much fun as I did this New Year's Eve.

There was one moment of angst when I thought I might be the only one at the party.



But Willie woke up long enough to wish me a happy new year.



And Wynonna poked her snout out of the straw so that I could give her a little kiss.



Deets protected me on my walk into the pasture looking for the boys.



Uh, Deets...you're barking up the wrong tree. I don't think they're in there.



There's George! The six-legged burro! No, wait. That's just Alan, hiding behind him.



Hank...don't look at me like that. This is my pasture, too, and I can come out here any time I want.



We all enjoyed a group hug at 10 pm Mountain standard time.

So far, 2009 is memorable. I can proudly say I have gone riding every single day this year. My face is a little sunburned, and that's a good thing. The weather has been just perfect ... for September.

Tonight, Smooch and I watched the sun set from the front porch and reflected upon our blessed lives.



No matter what the rest of 2009 holds for us, it has started out just right.