Stefano and I had originally planned to spend a quiet New Year’s Eve at home with the cats. Just the two of us, surrounded by good food, a bit of champagne and a bunch of new movies. We do this every year since we don’t want that cats to be scared. It can get a bit noisy here at midnight, you see, even in our quiet neighbourhood. If it were up to me, I’d ban fireworks, firecrackers and other noise-makers at all times. They’re just plain stuuuuupid (and polluting, and terrifying for the local fauna and…etc.!).

Anyway, getting back to my point, a few days ago I was at my best friend’s house being merry and playing cards with my other buddies, and we got to talking about New Year’s Eve. The “who’s doing what?” sort of talk. It turned out that my best friend was planning to spend it alone, since her husband is abroad and her daughter was going to a party in the center of Florence. Whaaat? Alone? Oh no, that just won’t do. I hadn’t even thought of inviting her to spend the Eve with us since I figured she’d be going to a big party…she’s such a gregarious type. Anyway, she happily accepted my last-minute invitation. 

Then yesterday, on Facebook of all places!, I found out that DB, my blog reader/now real-life friend, was also going to be by herself. So I immediately called her to invite her over for dinner. 

The four of us had a lovely dinner…in fact, we were so stuffed that we didn’t even get to dessert = my famous carrot cake (= my sister’s recipe, truth be told). No problem about that. I’m getting together with friends later on today, so it won’t go to waste, hehe.

Anyway, what a lovely surprise. We all had a great time…After dinner we watched the final episode of the Harry Potter saga…then we toasted to 2012…It was wonderful. One of my best New Year’s Eves, in fact. 

My favourite New Year’s Eve message (by DB): “Winter Greetings. May you be surprised by joy.”

And that is my wish for all of you! 🙂