Both our kids had plans for New Year's Eve. Our son was going to a fireworks display with friends from high school. Our daughter was spending the night with a friend from church. Rather spontaneously, my husband and I decided to have a small party. We invited three couples who have been friends for many years, and two of them could come.

This was going to be a very informal party, so I decided to serve finger food. One of our friends was bringing their 17-year-old son who was recently diagnosed as a diabetic. His mom was concerned that he not be tempted with too much starch and sugar. I assured her that I didn't want to eat starch or sugar myself, but for different reasons.

I served shrimp and deviled eggs. I had a big vegetable tray. I also fixed mini eggrolls and mini pizzas for my husband. One of our friends brought a tray of chicken wings and homemade salsa with chips. The other brought two desserts. I served both apple cider and soda. There were lots of choices - healthy and unhealthy.

Chicken wings have become a popular appetizer and party food, but I had never eaten them. These were not breaded, and there were no other obvious avoids, so I tried them. The seasoning was delicious, but they were more skin than meat. My opinion - wings have too much of the wrong kind of fat and not enough valuable nutrients.

I had thought that we would watch football and play cards, but there was too much to talk about. We never turned on the TV or got out the cards. In fact we lost track of time, and didn't even notice when the clock passed midnight.

We talked briefly about the Blood Type Diet. More about that tomorrow. But tonight, I wish each of you a blessed 2006.