by Joanne Wiklund
What are you planning for this New Year? A Bucket List or an adventure or two with no planning at all. You know, one of those days where you get up in the morning and think, okay, I’m out of here. Haven’t done that for a long time, and I’m about due! Bishop Hill, here I come. But everything isn’t open right now. That’s okay. There will be food available somewhere and it’s all good. Hope for the bakery! The Filling Station is a Special place to eat with their specials just that.
What about Lagomarcino’s in Moline or The Village of East Davenport? What about The Cellar in Geneseo? We ate there so often for our anniversary, the night before New Year’s Eve. If you decide to celebrate early, that’s a great night to be out. Because no one is out there, service is great, wait people are glad to see you. Breakfast At Berries, The Crane & Pelican in LeClaire, or even The Brothers in Rapids City, where you always run into other hungry people you know.
But the best time of all for me for this New Year will be in the back yard, with family on hand. We’ll have what my Number One Grandson calls ETL parties. Eat, talk and laugh. He likes those best and I tend to agree. No pressure for gifts, costumes, and food is brought in by everyone, put on a table and that’s what we do: Eat, Talk and Laugh. And did I mention tell stories? That’s what makes the laughter so much fun. Us old ones try to remember to tell them right and the young’ens learn that it’s okay for someone to laugh with you about something you did. We were raised to laugh at ourselves and WITH other folks, including our siblings. I’m planning an ETL party for a Spring day. I’ll keep you posted on when!
Psalm 126:5-6 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
John 1:4 “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”