Happy New Year from Times Square in New York City.























The sun was shining bright just after noon when people were already gathered and camped out in Times Square. To keep Mena from squinting in her annual New Year's Eve pose, she needed sunglasses.
She went earlier in the day last year. Click here to see last year's NYE.

More New York City Holiday Fun
After a stop at the Plaza on 5th Avenue, who can resist a vist to Tiffany's a few blocks away along 5th? Willamena always seems to find her way right to the front entrance, so we call it Sniffany's.

NYC Holiday lights - just a few.

For people who love the consumerism of the holidays, these blue and red lights adorn the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle. They constantly change colors, one segment of each star at a time.

It is well known that holiday shopping builds a hunger for borscht.

What better place than the Russian Tea Room to fill that craving?

Plus looks like you could even get your shot for next year's Christmas card out of the way. (Since everyone else goes to Rockefeller. Pooey.)

Who doesn't love the legs of the Rockettes?

The show outside and around Radio City is almost as festive as the show.

Across the street, red ornaments are stacked in a fountain.

Less than a block away, a toy train lights up 6th Avenue.

And of course, every year, tall nutcrackers line the UBS building.

WILLAMENA WANTS IN THE ACTION AS A FILM CREW PREPARES A SCENE ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE.

Remember when I went on vacation and Willamena had her headshots done by her babysitter? Well, I should have had one with me this morning as I had to pull Mena away from this set.

But even my tugs weren't successful. You'd think that along with setting the scrims and adjusting the lighting for the driver side of this Toyota Matrix, they were grilling bacon.

Mena even got a pat on the head from one of the gaffers. I said, "she wants to be in it." He responded, "she should be!" Even one the guys taping an interview with someone working on this set, turned the camera on Mena's persistance to stay and watch.

Then Mena saw that someone was getting in the truck that was going to pull the Matrix along Broadway for the shoot. She was about to jump in.

I was told they were shooting for a movie called "Three Girls."

ROCKEFELLER GRINCHES!

Now that Willamena is back in New York City from her white Christmas New Hampshire visit, she wants her typical NYC Holiday pics.
However, security is the grinch this year.
The security guard in this picture was on his way over to say get away, "no dogs." She didn't understand considering this area is a public sidewalk.
She came to this side because she had just been chased away by another security guard by the angels.
That is where the people from NBC take pictures at no charge. You are given a slip with a website and number. You can view your pictures on line and order if you wish. There isn't any pressure. It's a great holiday shot. BUT NO! I asked if that was a new policy, the guard said dogs have never been allowed. Prior today, it has never been an issue. Look at last year's photo. It was taken by a tourist offering to help us out. There was security everywhere, but we weren't told to leave.
Maybe it's for the best. Because of the embarrassing exile, Mena now wants to find unusual places to take NYC Holiday pics. She promises to have them posted before the New Year.

ALL MENA WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS WAS A MINI-ME-na.

Actually I just wanted a picture of the two together, possibly with their paws up to their lip.

But with all the food and holiday treats around, Willamena didn't want anything to do with another dog.

Instead, she spent the day guarding the tree, anxiously awaiting the moment she would get to finally rip into her gifts.

Which, as you can see, she did a good job of as soon as Christmas morning arrived.

She was even transformed into Santa-Paws.

Unwrapping gifts wasn't the only activity the holiday hound jumped into.


She was thrilled to run down this hill right next to the sledders.

She slept well that night, with plenty of time for sugar-plum kitties to dance in her head.

Hope you're having a howling happy holiday!