Happy New Year's Eve!

 Here we are, finishing up 2025 with a beautiful, clear, sparkling day - a lovely covering of new snow hiding treacherous ice in some spots. We are cold - it was only 5 above this morning, but now is in the low 20s. I didn't go out to measure precipitation during the ice storm - too slippery and miserable; yesterday it was too cold and blustery, but I went out this morning. I couldn't resist getting out into the sunshine. It was still cold, about 17 degrees at 9 a.m., but I cleared nearly 8 inches of snow off the deck and took measurements. All good - I'm back indoors, most chores done and have a few minutes before lunch time.

Jamie asked me this morning if I'm doing anything "special" to usher in the New Year. I'm not. I'm content to be warm and comfortable and will watch a little of the festivities on TV. However, Jamie's question reminded me of past New Year's celebrations.

The earliest I remember was when I was in high school, I went on a New Year's "midnight movie date" with a boy from my class. We went to Barre - I don't recall what movie we saw, but I do recall all the excitement at midnight and my embarrassment at getting kissed - not just by my date, but by strangers! I was probably 14 years old. 

After high school, when I was in business school and later working, New Year's dates were common and usually meant going to someone's house or "making the rounds" to various friends to get a drink and wish them Happy New Year. During the 50's and 60's there were always dances at restaurants with sometimes name bands, or more  often local bands that Ray (my first husband) knew well and often sat in with to play drums. Those were fun times - I knew the wives of some of the band members, and there were always lots of friends to celebrate with. 

After Ray died, the years blurred as the boys grew older and then Bob and some friends formed the Peacham School Band and because they were all under age, I went with them to their "gigs" - and there were a few New Year's parties - especially later when the band became TANK. Eventually the band members didn't need an adult accompanying them. 

Those "dine and dance" places began to disappear by the time I met Fred, but we always managed to get to wherever Bob and the band were - usually fairly local. The whole family and a bunch of friends always showed up to see the New Year in together. That was great fun, and we looked forward to those times.

There was one year - I'm not sure why we were "on our own" but probably Bob was playing somewhere too far away for us to conveniently follow. We went to the "Hillwinds" in Franconia for dinner and dancing.  We had reservations, and were seated at one of several very long tables with lots of other people ready to celebrate. We introduced ourselves and everyone except the couple seated directly across from us  seemed to be with friends, so we tried to make conversation with that couple. He seemed congenial, but whatever subject came up ended in them arguing. She complained about the food. He agreed with her (of course), she was not happy with the band, and after a few drinks, the guy got a bit feisty and began to give her grief. Fred and I spent more time on the dance floor than at the table, and I think we may have left early. That was the end of going out to celebrate - except if Bob was playing somewhere. 

Then there was the New Year's Eve when I had rigged up a "ball" of lights that I ran up the flag pole on the deck. I'm sure I've told this story before, but I still giggle when I think of how ridiculous it was. The ball was a big clump of Christmas lights - the plug-in kind - it was before solar lights. I thought it would be fun to make a video with a count-down as I lowered the ball at midnight. Fred was unenthusiastic and protested - it was a blustery night - but finally we went out on the deck in the cold, swirling snow, and he recorded the ball being lowered. In the background of that video, is the distinct grumble of Fred mildly expressing his discomfort. He was always such a good sport and tolerant of my whims. 

After that, I promised that there would be no more such "celebrations," and we stuck to having friends in for dinner, or going to friends' for dinner or drinks, and everyone was home before midnight to celebrate the yearly change however they pleased. As it should be!

May 2026 bring good health, happiness, and plenty of love to you and yours.