Happy New Year!
Week 48 of 52
Today is January 1, 2012.
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar (Dutch) Šastný Nový Rok (Czech) Heureuse nouvelle année (French) Glückliches neues Jahr (German) Buon anno (Italian) and Guete Rutsch (which in Swiss German translates to “have a good slide”); they are all meant to convey good wishes for 2012 and are in the languages of the places we visited in 2011.
Our Swiss friends and family have treated us to so many wonderful times during the holidays: dinners out, a Christmas concert where our dear friend Janice played viola, an amazing walk near Maxine and Maya’s home in the shadows of the snow-covered Alps (pictured on top), and more than one dinner party at Sarah’s beautiful home. Once again, we realize how fortunate we are because of the people in our lives; it’s what has made this past year truly magical.
We both know what an extraordinary 2011 we had as we round the corner to 2012 and the last month of our year away. For today, January 1, 2012, we send this old Irish toast to all our friends near and far:
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.
Wishing each and every one of you a magical 2012!
A hui hou and hau‘oli makahiki hou! (Hawaiian!)
Sharene and Harrison