No, not personally, but I wanted to tell you how pretty your picture is, Spy. Some religions celebrate the coming of a New Year on a different date. In the Jewish religion, New year is strictly a religious holiday and a time to become very introspective, think about what you've done all year and plan to atone for your sins & begin anew. As a child I was told it's a time of judgment when God looks down and decides who will stay and who will not in the next 12 months. It's also a night to light a candle for each of your loved ones that are no longer here and to say a prayer. It's not on Jan 1 (usually falls in Sept/Oct) but it's the same concept. So happy 5758 !!   :-)

I like the snow but I hate driving in it!

What is that day called justxploring? I don't know the Jewish festivals like I should. But I like learning about them from those who actually celebrate them. And this one sounds beautiful.

I'm not very religious that way, Spy. I don't want to get too deep into it here, but I also go to church. I believe in all things spiritual (or at least I try to) Anyway, the New Year starts with Rosh Hashana. There are 10 days of personal introspection, re-examination and repentence that end with Yom Kippur when there is a 24 hour fast ending with the blowing of the shofar (which is an ancient trumpet made from an animal's horn) Then there is a feast to break the fast and begin the new year. I'd be lying to you if I said I ever spent 10 days in prayer, introspection and repentence.

funny, I's be lying if I said I haven't.

10 days consecutively? Wow - good for you!