Time moved on and a late night trip brought back Ed and Sarah who had taken the train from Baltimore and all were happy to see that I hadn't changed much in the 4 years since last I got my license.

The next morning, Justin Huang arrived as the preparations for Bailey's infused French toast were proceeding with the crucial addition of the Bailey's carefully executed as the batter was stirred while we all awaited the finished product including Ben who had emerged for the occasion and so the French toast was ready and served to the enjoyment of the assembled with great fanfare from Ben and Suzanne and Sarah and Ed

as Ben realized it was time to write some college essays though the scene at the table didn't change much

under Sam appeared and he and Ben left for an excursion.

Later, we all sat in the living room as Ed Jane and I admired the fire that had been set. Soon, it was time to celebrate the delayed last night of Hannukah and so we gathered round the table as the candles (not the menorah ones, of course) were lit and Jane posed in her head cover as I admired the retro camera which unfortunately was out of cartridges and chicken salad and latkes with applesauce and sour cream were offered so that I could create this food face before the tasty green beans came which brought the table to life (of a fashion) as Suzanne pondered the scene and I balanced many drinks to Jane's amusement.

But the candles were calling us, and so we rose to the task and began lighting and as Suzanne watched all the candles were lit for the last time in 5772 and presents were presented and opened including this self effacing gift from Ben to Sarah and Jane, this ASCII correct shirt from Jane to me, and this self referential shirt for Ben.

The next morning began with the traditional bagels and toppings as a committee worked on Suzanne's iPhone while Sarah made her breakfast and Ben ate his.

It was New Year's Eve Eve and Jon Huang arrived so we all walked into town and Ben had the Adam Bomb at Hoagie Haven before Lily came by.

It was the real New Year's Eve and so the mixer was prepared and in operation for the cupcakes some of which had already emerged and others were waiting to emerge as further prep was ongoing for the nuts which led to the obvious discussion about the egg crates and whether they would make a valid collection but this was a mere distraction from the cupcakes and pecans as Lily arrived and the women in aprons continued on their path with Ben supervising as the cheese plate was arranged and cupcakes were completed even as the table was set and the first food was placed on the sideboard including cupcakes and nuts of various sorts and grapes were prepared with a break for dipping sauce and not shredded enough shredded cheese as the cheese platter was rearranged and a secondary platter organized as the gyrations continued.

Alex and Joyce arrived and Alex showed off his 2012 glasses as we did a time check and bread was prepared as the appetizers to go came and peppers were cooked (though they were forgotten until the next day's bruschetta). A camera check misfocussed on the liquor and salsa but clarity slowly returned as egg salad was spread on bread by Lily and Sarah and bark was broken in differing colors before the caviar was added to the egg salad mixture and served.

Meanwhile there was an effort in the kitchen to juice the grapefruits for the specialty drink as Claire and Raimund arrived followed by Peter Kramer Maggie and Joe who brought wonderful cucumbers and this allowed the kitchen crowd to congregate and celebrate (perhaps worship is the right word here) the cucumbers before they were worked into an offering and placed alongside the other offerings some of which seemed to disappear quickly as the older generations at in the living room and munched away and the younger generation posed for their holiday photo which amused the older generation no doubt.

Soon the stroke of 12 was upon us and all gathered in the family room to be joined by the group who were pouring the champagne as the crew at Times Square was where we expected them which didn't seem to relieve Ben but the seconds ticked away and we were down to 139 then 123 and then 54 43 32 14 5 and before we knew it, it was 2012.