Happy New Year!

May this be the best year yet for each and every one of you. I wish you health, happiness and wealth. In that order. If you do not have health, nothing else matters. Happiness is better than money. Unhappy is a heavy burden even though rich. And if you have health and happiness, wealth makes everything even better.

It is an absolutely beautiful morning here in Key West. The sun is shining. There is a pleasant breeze. I seem to be the only one alive. None of my neighbors are out drinking coffee or chatting. They must all still be recovering from last night.

May the beauty of this morning be an omen for the rest of the year.

I had a different New Year’s Eve last night. Dinner at Outback!

Robert and Ally are in North Florida with Cory’s parents. Lisa, Cory and Cameron joined me for dinner. I had received a bunch of Outback cash cards for Christmas. Lisa wanted an early dinner. So Outback it was.

Dinner at six. New Year’s Eve.

We had a hell of a time. I was the only one drinking. The other three do not drink at all. But we were all in a festive mood. We laughed and joked throughout dinner. I was pleased to see Lisa so relaxed. Perhaps because she has had a few days off from the kids.

New Year’s was not always January 1. It was March 25. In the 1600s and 1700s, most countries changed from a Julian to Gregorian calendar. January 1 became the new first day of the year. Even China today recognizes January 1 as New Year’s. Although the Chinese still retain their own Chinese new year about 30 days hence.

When I was younger, I was always out on New Year’s Eve. As I became older, New Year’s Eve became large house parties. As I became even older, New Year’s Eve became either my wife and I alone or my wife and I and a handful of close friends at our home.

Last night was another step in how I spent a New Year’s Eve. I was home alone in bed at midnight. Do not feel bad. I absolutely enjoyed. Had a great dinner with Lisa and family. I slept. I woke at 11:50. I watched New Year’s Eve all over the world on television. And went back to sleep. I am refreshed this morning and ready to face the new year.

The best New Year’s Eve ever was one I spent with my father alone. It was about 10 years ago. He had had a bad year health wise. I had a feeling he might not see another New Year. I opted to be alone with him
My wife went to her brother’s. My children were everywhere.

My father and I sat before the burning fireplace in my living room chatting and sipping for four hours. It was a very sensitive experience for me. Now a sentimental one. I know my father enjoyed the evening also.

Fortunately, Dad is still here. He is 97 years old.

Syracuse basketball tonight! Syracuse plays DePaul at five. I will be watching the game at the Sports Page Bar.

May this first day of the year be a good one for all!

4 comments on “

  1. Enjoy your New Year's Day in paradise, Lou! Looking forward to another year of your insights, viewpoints and tidbits from Key West!

  2. Excellent Blog today Lou! Especially the story concerning your Father and you. All too often we realize way too late that our Fathers will soon be gone and we do nothing to be with them and learn from them. A valuable lesson for all.

  3. Lou…each day I read your blog here in the "garden spot" of New Jersey. Thanks for writing it and please continue it forever ! Someday I would like to buy you a drink the next time I am in Key West.

  4. "May this be the best year yet for each and every one of you. I wish you health, happiness and wealth. In that order. If you do not have health, nothing else matters. Happiness is better than money. Unhappy is a heavy burden even though rich. And if you have health and happiness, wealth makes everything even better."…couldn't have said it better, thank you.

    Len

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