Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! January first, two thousand and thirteen. I have the Pasadena Rose Parade on TV, thanks to the HGTV channel. I love the fact they show the parade from the first block and without commercial interruption - one gets to see all of the floats, bands, marching units and equestrian groups. I did have to laugh at the announcers, who are from HGTV - a group of ladies on horseback were going by, and they announced the horses included quarter horses, mustangs, Arabians, and an Appaloosa. The announcer said he had absolutely no idea which horse was the Appaloosa - it was a bay with a snowflake blanket on the far side of the street... At least he was honest about it; and now they are laughing about the "feathers" on the Gypsy Vanner horses legs - but it's done in fun and with the admission they know nothing about equines. How refreshing!
  A Shell drilling vessel broke free of the ship towing it and has grounded on rocks off Kodiak Island in Alaska. Due to 60 mph winds and 35-foot seas, the crew was removed by the US Coast Guard. They are hoping the 155,000 gallons of fuel will stay intact and not spill. ... In northeast England, in the county of Norfolk, and the city of Norwich, UK bobbies are searching for four people who attacked a man in a shopping center. As the victim left a kabob shop, he was knocked down to the ground repeatedly, suffering two black eyes, and cuts and abrasions to his face. Two of the attackers were dressed as Oompa Loompas, so, if they stay in costume, they should be easy to spot.

Oompa Loompas

  It is bright and sunny today - it was 10 degrees out when I got up, and the sunrise was a beautiful orange cloud and blue sky mix. Since the Broncos have made it to the playoffs, it was announced that the folks of Colorado are, and will be, "United in Orange." I was even wearing my orange Broncos shirt when this was announced, so I felt prepared (ha!). The announcers just about lost it again - there was a US Army Cavalry unit on with the men mounted on quarter horses, and and they were accompanied by an 1878 supply wagon drawn by two Belgian mules. For some reason, the two "Belgium" mules cracked the guys up - I'm not sure why.
  In any event, it is the beginning of a new calendar year. I have a lot of wishes that I hope will come true - world peace, religious tolerance around the world, an end of violence perpetrated against the innocent, the end of the drought and the end of starvation throughout all nations. I wish every one large amounts of love, good luck, and laughter in this New Year. Happy New Year!