I am writing this newsletter from Philadelphia where I am attending the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting. It's a nice way to jumpstart the year. I loved going to the library when I was growing up, so it's always great fun for me to have a chance to meet with librarians and hear about the books and authors they are excited about.

The holidays were wonderful. I had simple goals: Make some great memories, try to think about how much exercise each holiday treat would mean BEFORE I ate it, get all knitting projects ON needles finished, read as much as I can and wrap my head around the concept that the holiday card is just as lovely coming out as a New Year's card as it is at Christmas. I'm happy to report that the family told me the memories were made; many photos were taken; I only slightly overdid the treats; Jeanne and Brittany at Knitting Addiction in Southern Shores were true elves, giving me advice on all my knitting projects, thus all lingering ones are off needles and new ones are underway; a number of great books were read (more on that in a bit) and the New Year's card with the photo we shot on Christmas Day at the beach will go out this weekend.