Happy New Year 2008!

With the new Waterford Crystal Times Square New Years Eve Ball
in the foreground, Times Square looking North

About a million people gathered in New York's Times Square last night to witness the famous ball drop that signifies the beginning of a new year. Under mild and clear skies, the magnificent Waterford crystal ball glittered in different colors as it made its 59 second descent and ushered in 2008. This was the 100th anniversary of the first ball drop and while the city, and indeed the world, has changed, the excitement and anticipation that a new year and a fresh start brings remains the same.

"Preservation Celebration" sponsored by Rain Bird International
was the winner of the Sweepstakes trophy for the most beautiful entry.

Across the country, another annual tradition was repeated - the Tournament of Roses Parade rolled, marched and trotted down Colorado Boulevard in beautiful Pasadena for the 119th time. Again, over a million people spent the early morning hours lining the 5 mile route to get a good viewing spot for this very special event.

21 Outstanding marching bands from around this country, Switzerland and El Salvador entertained with music and military precision. The always impressive equestrian entries honor the history of the West with Cowboys (and girls), Indians and Caballeros riding over 300 Palominos, Arabians and Miniature Horses bedecked in sterling silver saddles or pulling historic stagecoaches and wagons. Of course it is the flower covered floats that draw the most attention and this year's 46 fabulous creations were as gorgeous and imaginative as ever.

As I begin my third year of writing this blog, I'd like to thank my loyal readers and wish all of you a very Happy and Healthy 2008! I hope you will join me for another year of art and travel adventures with a few surprises thrown in!