2013, my THIRD FULL DECADE on the planet

That is blowin' my mind, y'all. But I ain't complainin'.

Every year, we have a bonfire at the in-laws' to bid farewell to the Christmas trees and welcome in the new year. We bundled up in scarves, gloves, ear warmers, hats, coats, thick socks, and new Bean Boots if you were a good girl this year.

We always roast oysters, and typically make a chili, and several finger foods {note: adding 50% more sausage to the sausage balls makes them way tastier, much less dry, and also will create a puddle of grease while cooking, that will leak into the oven, causing smoke out the wazoo and a potential fire if not caught in time}. I cheat on my gluten diet and woof down oysters with saltines and Texas Pete.

We consume delicious beverages created from various mixtures of Cherry Lime Sundrop, Coke, Cherry Coke, Blenheim's Gingerale {in diet, hot, and not as hot}, bloody mary mix, and  cranberry juice. Sometimes you might find a beverage in a mason jar labeled "AP" that smells just. like. apple. pie. and tastes just. like. apple. juice. Consume in small quantities and approach with caution. If your stomach is really made outta lead, you might try your hand at some oyster shooters. Holy mother of pearl!

The kids light sparklers in the holes in the bottom of the burn barrel, drink hot chocolate, consume too much sugar and caffeine, and stay up way past their bedtimes.

We always have a super magical fireworks show at midnight.

This year, I spent the fireworks show in Bubba's cage with him because he is the most skiddish dog on this earth and fireworks, to him, might as well be the apocalypse.

Today, the MIL and the SIL cooked up some New Year's goodies. You know, collards for cash, and black eyed peas for coins, so we can all be lucky, prosperous and such. Is this primarily a southern thing? What do y'all shugpies from other regions eat on New Year's Day?

Here's to you 2013! Do yo' thang, girl!

Linking up: