Mom told me that people celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. She said it was kind of like the whole world was celebrating its birthday. We are three days into that new year but it doesn’t feel like anything has changed. Mom did go for what she said was a First Day Hike at the state park. She didn’t let me go. Maybe I can convince her to take me some time soon. I’d love to walk through the woods and listen to the birds. So many new smells sounds like fun. If it was just the two of us, I wouldn’t have to worry about strange people scaring the birds.

Yesterday Mom started to collect all of the things she put out a few weeks ago. The funny little tin men were removed from the shelves and put into their boxes. I have been good this year – I didn’t knock a single one of them off the bookshelves. I actually think they were rather pretty there. This year the two big ones that she placed on the floor on either side of the fireplace, looked like they had actually fought in a battle. Both of them were missing their noses!

Sophia thought she should inspect the decorations Mom placed on the table before packing them. I was happy just watching as things came off one of the trees. It almost looks like a real tree, but I know it isn’t. Sad.