We traveled south to spend the New Year with some old friends.

We ate seafood, fresh from the boat, for the whole visit.

If the kids are complaining, "Shrimp for dinner again?" try some crab.

Paper towel holder an optional, yet necessary addition to the table.

There are few places like the Lowcountry of South Carolina, I think, for soaking up the local color.

Men cooking!

All of us cooking, really. That was my favorite part. Cooking meals together. That says "family" like little else.

We had a little wine too.

A gracious home with gracious hosts...

and winter's windswept beaches. What a way to welcome a new year. Not too shabby.