
For those of you in the larger metro areas, you probably have some large scale fireworks shows like the one shown in Sydney and, of course, many celebrate in restaurants and night clubs, dancing the time away until the bewitching hour. Others welcome the dawning year with a midnight church service and vigil, praying for peace and prosperity after a family dinner. Some even just sit home, maybe enjoying a fine glass of wine and watching the ball drop, hugging their special someone at that special moment. It doesn't matter what you do, it's just important that whatever you do you do it responsibly.
Unfortunately, there are the unthinking among us who get wasted and then get on the highway behind the wheel of a heavy piece of equipment which then becomes a killer. I know in my younger days we experienced a young teenage neighbor girl, full of life and vigor, who was killed by just such a person on New Year's Eve. I have always thought of that poor girl every New Year's since.
So the main thing for me is that I just don't want to drive late in the evening on this date. I'm not worried about me, for if I'm driving I don't imbibe. But that other guy---he's a menace to society if he drives drunk and he should suffer to the full measure of the law. Of course, that doesn't help any victims, does it?
Well, now living in a wonderful rural community away from it all, we celebrate New Year's Eve with a community bonfire on a farm and a hot bowl of chili. We even have some fireworks if the weather allows and the surrounding woodlands have had sufficient rain. And, yes, we do imbibe a little, but not enough to get a hangover. And when all is said and done, I enjoy the walk home down a country lane in the brisk night air. My wife has to work on this night this year for nursing never closes, but she will be back before the party ends, so I will get a wonderful New Year's kiss from the love of my life even if it might be fifteen minutes late.
I hope each of you also have a great evening with some fun and memories. And then there is a full day of football tomorrow after the Tournament of Roses Parade, although I hear that the roses might be nearly frozen this year. Gonna' be a cold night tonight in Pasadena.
Have fun, say a New Year's prayer for our great nation and be safe. God bless you all.