Happy New Year

Early bloom spotted on a recent hike.

The New Year has arrived, and we rang it in with a visit to a local temple, some tasty treats with friends, a good walk, lots of phone calls, and a round of candied yuzu peel from a recent batch of yuzu shu just before bed. Oh, and a little writing, too. (My advice? Always add in the water from the blanching for better flavor. These aren't bad, but they're not as yuzu-y as the first ones.) Hope 2013 brings much joy and peace and civil conversation. (As an American, that last one feels like the most important...)