On New Year's Eve, just before midnight, we went for a much-needed hike along a country road, four of us and a white dog that showed up like a ghostly spectre against the pitch-black night. We huffed and puffed in the bracing air, our stomachs heavy with brisket, risotto and many flavors of Jeni's ice cream, straight from the source and drizzled with various homemade sauces (salty caramel, bittersweet chocolate, raspberry). It was actually the second hike of the day for G and me. That afternoon, we'd walked deep into the woods as we had our annual chat, reflecting back on the year gone by and discussing our hopes for one ahead. 2011 got a mixed review, mostly due to a certain broken leg that took the better part of 8 months (and counting) to fully heal. We are both committed to getting into fighting shape this winter and planning some physically challenging trips in the coming years, possibly including climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. But in general we want to simply continue on our paths, doing more of what we love and getting better at it.Here are a few highlights from the year, as I shared it with you in this space we inhabit together. The first is the multi-tasking goddess, above, a new icon for my blog commissioned from illustrator extraordinaire Liselotte Watkins.

The amazing Mrs. Wheelbarrow initiated the madness that is Charcutepalooza, and I participated for a few months (until I had to fly off to Indonesia). I learned to make my own pancetta and sausage!

There was fun in the sun in Todos Santos, Mexico, and Antigua.

I flew to the rescue of my injured husband, and wound up having a blast in the markets of Yogyakarta.

Remember, it's about wanting what you have, not having what you want.What's on your mind for 2012? I'd love to know what you'd like to discover this year, and where you'd like me to take you. Do tell...