It was many years ago when I learned that what might be a great place for a party on a lovely day in May might not be a great place on a cold, snowy New Year's Eve. The location was our home in a hilly, wooded area outside Philadelphia, and the party was set for New Years' Eve.

It began snowing about 10 a.m. on the day of the party - big, lazy white flakes we could see through the large picture windows that covered the front of the house. The party was to begin at 3 p.m., and we could see the ground was being covered rather rapidly.

We had booked a five-piece band two months in advance, all of the members of which were from New Jersey, and since they were uncertain of the directions, they made sure to arrive early. A short time later, the bartender, a local man, arrived after calling to make sure the party was still on.

My youngest kids, on Christmas break from school, were fascinated by the band and its instruments, and, may I say, were underfoot. Did I mention that it was very, very cold? And so the large double fireplace separating the living and dining areas was put into action. With the Christmas decorations still in place, the place was picture-perfect.

People started to arrive at the front and back doors. Several had tried to drive between the stone walls at the steeply curved driveway entrance and found their cars sliding back toward the street. In party finery and shoes, they had to leave their cars parked down along the main road and mush their way through the deepening snow up the long, hilly driveway to the house.

Then the caterer called from town and said the best they could do would be to bring the buffet food out in boxes, and leave it on the gateway at the entrance to the drive. The male guests went to carry the food up the long driveway. By this time there were nearly 40 people at the party, and we were stranded in the snow.

Well, trouble can bring folks together. Everyone — guests and band included — became great friends that night. No one even tried to leave until the next day when, fortunately, the sun shone out across a beautiful winter wonderland scene. It had become an all-nighter party none of us ever forgot.

Here are some commonsense tips from the AARP Skill Assessment and Resource Guide, pertinent not only to senior drivers, but all drivers:

Avoid difficult left-hand turns, especially across busy traffic lanes.

Don't travel in bad weather or rush-hour traffic, and try to choose less heavilytraveled roads.

Keep a three-second margin of safety between your car and the car ahead of you. And remember to eliminate distractions inside the car as well.

Whatever New Year's Eve activities you choose, please be careful.

A few little sayings to bring out the good in us and help us get through the day:

Today I will day share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than "I told you so."

My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of good judgment.

To all my readers: I wish you a Happy New Year and hope we spend time together in the coming year!

See you next week!