New Year's on the Eastern Front...

Possibly one of the most overrated places to be on New Year's Eve, which is already and overrated holiday, is New York City. Anyone in their right mind (who doesn't live in Manhattan) stays as far away as possible and those who do have the privilege of living in Manhattan know it best to repel themselves from midtown like good music from a Creed concert. Forget Times Square and the ball drop. Seriously, forget it. Watch it on TV. The only reason to be out on New Year's Eve is if you are carrying a stolen copy of the frozen orange juice crop report. But I digress.

Two days after arriving back in NYC from The Atlanta Christmas Adventure, we packed up Randy's car (thank you again, Uncle Randy Pants) and headed to the magical place known as Dick's Bridgehampton. Over the past two years we have been lucky enough to join Richard and friends at his Eastern Outpost on summer weekends and the occasional early fall jaunt but this year it was to be a New Year's Fiesta. At least as much of one that can be had with a newborn.

We had our first snow...

It wasn't much snow but a good first exposure.
No chance for a snowman this time.

Deer sightings...

Sloan wonders what we were making her look at

Dick's back yard. There were as many as seven at one time.

Masterfully crafted dinners....

Straight from the Adam Perry Lang collection -
grilled lamb, polenta and asparagus salad

New Year's Even dinner was another APL special -
grilled-on-coals tenterloin, salt and vinegar
duck fat fries (with home made salt),
creamed roast garlic spinach and special salad

Popcorn Sundae for dessert

The Eastern Front Celebrants around the dinner table.

These dishes aren't going to do themselves.

Holiday cocktails...

Hooray for a New Year!

Special cocktail of the night

and even time for an art lesson...

Dad describing the work of elusive street artist Banksy.

At the end of 2012, Kerri and I did our best to reflect, realize and give thanks as to how lucky we are to have the best daughter, the best families and the best friends on Earth. Seasons will come and go, years will tick by and we will get older but every day is better for us than the last and we are truly thankful to be living in this moment. It's our only hope that we can make the absolute best of what we have in front of us. Here's to a great 2013!