Today is the eleventh day of Twelvetide aka "the twelve days of Christmas" which is a Christian festival of the winter holiday season.

While most in the United States no longer observe Twelvetide, it is an interesting part of that evolving spin on religion and the nativity coupled with those secular gift giving tenets of Christmas in general.

Tomorrow is the Twelveth day of Christmas and thusly Twelvetide will be over for the 2017 season.
 

Today is National Cream Puff Day.

Though there isn't a lot of historical data in the threads, I believe this to be a celebration of the cream filled pastry originating from France instead of the ectomorphic body type typically compelled to do the bidding of some bully.

I recall my earliest experiences with this baker's confection to be back when I was a child. Later in time I would encounter these tidbits created en masse on large baking pans in Navy chow halls in Great Lakes and Orlando.

Regardless, I have consumed my fair share of these pastries whenever the opportunity presented itself — noting that the quality of both the pastry shell and the cream filling vary in consistency and flavor depending on who did the preparation.

By and large my favorites were whipped up by the cute little blonde mess management specialist in the Orlando chow hall hands down.

That wasn't the only food she prepared very well, either.
 

Another year is upon us. I don't have any resolutions for the coming year aside from try to get more exercise and eat healthier.

I'm sorry to report that these are recurring items as well.

My work interests remain pretty much static — data driven intranet web technologies and it's plenty to pursue and I'm very fortunate to have the superior development environment which has been provided.

Perhaps I'll include more open source components in the mix this year.

I hope to spend more time with my mother and have plans on adding another weekly visit toward that end.

There isn't a lot left to accomplish in life that I already haven't done so we'll just have to take it as it comes and see how it goes.

Happy new year to you and yours !
 

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Robert Burns
1788 Scots poem set to the tune
of a traditional folk song