I have always celebrated New Years Eve, but not in the traditional manner. As a child, I tried to stay up for the ball dropping but in the morning, I found I was tucked into my bed.
When I was in my teens, I was a babysitter in demand. I was booked for New Years Eve weeks in advance. After the children were settled into their beds, I would look into the larders to find treats left for me. I discovered the delights of tonic water and chocolate ice cream. It was not as sweet as pop, foaming over the top of the glass, I felt grownup. Sipping the concoction, I watched Johnny Carson. The couple thought I was drinking gin and tonics, until I mentioned my snack.
In college, I had a real date for New year eve. We had a late dinner at Webers restaurant. The prime rib was cold and the staff hurried us to finish quickly.
After college, I was invited to small parties at friends homes. I didn’t like to drink, I was tired of refusing drinks with alcohol. The noise and smoke made my eyes burn.
My first husband enjoyed going out for a special dinner. Because we had to order special transportation, we had an early date. Mike drank and I would have to undress and tuck him into bed. I would return to the Tonight show and the ball drop.
My second husband John, worked for the post office. He would often have to work on New year day. He and I would be in bed long before the ball dropped in Times Square. John’s mother, Helen, stayed up with several of Ruth’s friends to shoot off poppers and make noise at 12 o’clock. We never hear a sound.
Now as empty nesters, we will open a bottle of sparkling juice to toast the new year and we remember the past year. With John’s heart surgery and stroke, I will be glad to turn the page on 2023 and welcome 2024.
Closure
Cloudy skies hide the closure of another year.
Seasons passed as recollections blended with memories,
good and sad.
Conflicts at home and abroad.
Warming trends.
Killing of innocents.
I grow weary of it!
But I still hope
For 2024.
To be kinder,
share with strangers,
to be a peace with ourselves and nature..
I say farewell to the past.
Look forward to a fresh leaf.
Waiting to hold the next chapter.
carolaspot@aol.com January 1st, 2024.
traveling up and down the blind highway 