New Year's Day

My mother is very superstitious, although far less so than her mother, and I try hard not to be. It doesn't always work, but I make the effort.

However, there's one superstition I picked up, or perhaps invented, years ago that I like. I try to do things on New Year's Eve/New Year's Day that I will continue for the whole year.

This led to my inviting people to come eat cassoulet after midnight when I was up in Boston and had a wider circle. I went to Yoga mornings in California.

Last year, I spent the day alone at a museum -- not a bad way to spend a day or even a year. I miss inviting people into my home for good food, though.

This year, I have two gentlemen joining me for lunch on New Year's day. They understand that I'll be serving regional traditional foods -- black eyed peas, greens, cabbage, and spoon bread.

All right, look, it's the local Mormon missionaries.

They stopped me last night on their way back home (and mine from Safeway) and we talked. I've got one of them interested in the experiments at CERN from our conversation -- he thinks math and science will help him to know God better, and I think that's grand. So. I asked if they were busy on New Year's Day. I explained I was an atheist and had already read the Book of Mormon back when I was 12. They're bringing Doctrines and Covenants to discuss with me.

I'm a wicked, wicked woman, but those Elders need a challenge. I don't think they're having much luck with converts in this neighborhood.

At the very least, I'll have started the New Year right, sharing good food and serious talk.