Laura and I couldn't get enough of listening to Do Right Woman - Do Right Man in the car on the way back to Yosemite. So I've gone back to the great, thanks to an unexpected find in my mother's music collection -- The Very Best of Aretha Franklin - The '60s. In a selection that also includes several Kenny G CDs, loads of Christmas music by various unnamed artists, a good dose of Julio Iglesias, plenty of Faith Hill, and Dolly Parton, I'm always surprised to find something I really love to listen to. I probably sound like quite the music snob to some, but well, I just have different tastes than Mom.

But there are some generational crossovers, those greats we can all appreciate.

So, here's to Aretha, the Queen of Soul.

New photos from the road to Yosemite . . .

. . . and from being there.

In case any of you had a little too much bubbly, you might try a tea of milk thistle. Here are some suggestions for avoiding or curing a hangover. I thought I might as well share, since I was looking it up for my near & dear.

Yosemite was beautiful, magnificent. And very fun with my friends and friends-of-friends. And tonight Laura and I were talking about going to the Glas Kat, but I may need to poop out, because I feel like I may pass out from the mountain air and warm water of the shower. . . Oh my goodness, and it's good we decided not to go since I wrote that last sentence, since it's closed tonight!! phew. There are distinct advantages to being nerdy and blogging about what you're planning to do, sometimes. :)

I haven't been salsa dancing at all since I've been in California, but I just haven't really been in the zone. I've really been enjoying time with family and friends, and haven't particularly felt like running out to the city, and leaving them behind to be on the dance floor.

okay, well, i'm not making much sense here and i'm clearly too tired to say anything of interest. so, time to pass out with my clean hair and freshly shaven skin and body aching comfortably from ice skating and hiking and dancing in the hotel room.

happy new year, everyone!