New Year / New Life by Margaret Ullrich - Hot Toddy Recipe

Hope you all had a very Happy New Year!

If you were celebrating in the 1950s, you would have seen women dressed this way.

I have a a black and white photo of me celebrating New Year’s Eve back in 1950.

Well, to be honest, it was mostly my parents, aunts and uncles doing the celebrating.

In that photo my Pop is holding me and his brother Tony is holding his daughter, Linda.
Both men are standing in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen.

I had been born in May, 1950.

Linda had been born a month later.

My guess is we were about to be put down for the night.

There’s a second picture of a few parents sitting on the couch and side chairs.

Three cousins - age four, five and six - were playing in the living room.

Our moms were basically in house dresses.

So it goes…

The past New Year’s Eve was pretty much the same for us.

Relaxing in the living room in regular clothes.

A bit of bubbly and a few snacks.

We’ve come a long way, alright.

And now we’re in a brand spanking new year - 2015.

In most ways it’ll be more of the same.

In some ways we’re in for a few changes.

I’ll be turning 65 this May, which will qualify me for a pension and discounts.

That baby of 1950 has come a long way, alright.

Back in 1950 a warmed bottle of milk did the trick.

Now, I like something with a bit more of a kick.

                        Hot Toddy

Stud a lemon slice with 4 cloves and place it in a mug.

Fill the mug about 2/3 full of boiling water.

Add

1 1/2 ounces rum, whiskey or brandy

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cinnamon stick

Stir and serve.

Happy New Year!!!

About Sunday’s full moon in Cancer…

According to the folks at astrology.com:

Last month's new Moon in Capricorn helped you focus on your goals and ambitions. Now it's time to take stock of how far you've come, while also making sure you're not neglecting any of your personal needs. 

Create a self-care plan that can emotionally, mentally, and physically nurture you. Fix up your living space in a way that makes it feel cozy and comfortable. 

Finding a sensible balance between your career and home life will provide a necessary foundation for success.  In the days leading up to the next new Moon on January 20, make changes that will make you feel more content and secure.