ROSES

It's hardly to believe that's it's the New Year. Just a week ago, it felt like Artic temperatures which certainly lent for it to feel like Christmas. I was dressed in wool coat with fur lapel.  Now it seems more like early May with temps in the high 50's and later to reach 60's by mid-week. New Year's Eve I only needed my tux jacket with no over coat needed The New Years Eve and Day, here went off without a hitch, with copious amount of beverage being gulped. This years' Pork and Sauerkraut dinner was one of my top 5 cooked I believe, with no leftovers. And of course, we viewed the historic Mummers Parade that takes place every year in Philadelphia. Truely a spectacle. But a treat this year was to see the other long running, more then 100-year-old parade, The Roses Parade, out of Pasadena CA. It's been years since I have seen it, as most years I was back to work the day after New Year's Day. We watched it faithful when I was little.

The Rose Parade is tradition for more than 129 years, uses more then 20 million flowers for the lavish and creative floats, that demand more then 80,000 hours of manpower to create, by various groups. The main structure of the floats starts in May I hear. The parade follows the same five and a half mile stretch every year, with expected around 47 million viewing it on TV. The floats are incredible to see, and hard to believe everything is made from flowers, grasses, petals, seeds, and all natural materials. Jaw dropping color and detail I must say. In addition to the floats, there are many marching bands and equestrian units. While many flowers are used, the most popular are marigolds, irises, hydrangea, daisies, chrysanthemums, status and carnations, but the one rule is roses have to be present in every float. This year was a treat to see again, and very colorful. I also thought it was great that Gabby Giffords was the chosen Grand Marshall for the parade for all her work advocating against gun violence and helping to create and supporting laws against the guns. The parade certainly didn't disappoint and brought up some nice memories of watching it years ago.

My favorite was this one above. So stunning! I understand it won like 6 awards.

All the pictures are from the inner webs. Now excuse me. It's so warm I think I'll go put on my square cuts and go for a swim. Happy New Year Everybody!!!!