Proud Podcast Person Carole M. sent a note that will twang a few memories. It’s in reply to the current podcast:
My parents and my brother NEVER sang “Old Lang Syne” – not ever. I do feel their presence often – especially on New Years’ Eve. Once my brother and I left the nest, it was de rigeur for us to call to wish our parents (and later on, just Mom) a “Happy New Year” just after midnight.
Your latest blog brought long-forgotten memories cascading into my head. Wonderful things not thought about in years.
When I was young, New Years’ Eve at our house was a big deal. My favorite aunt, who lived in the Bronx, would get on the subway and get off at Katz’ deli on the Lower East Side to pick up copious amounts of corned beef, pastrami, cocktail franks, sour pickles, rye bread,etc etc. She would reboard the train, schlepping all that stuff, and take it to the end – Coney Island, where she would hop a bus to get to our place.
My folks and my aunt would sit at the dining room table (TV on, of course) and play penny ante poker till the wee hours of the morning, just stopping to toast one another and us kids a Happy New Year. We even got our own beverages – fancy tall “highball” glasses with ginger ale, fruit juice, and a maraschino cherry! (Such a big deal!) The next day, around midday, it would start again! This time, cocktail franks and deli mustard first, followed by everything else being laid out for everyone to help themselves – and more penny ante poker. Dad would break away to watch a few of the football games.
You also reminded me of Y2K – and my mother (who had recently become computer literate) asking from her bed at Calvary Hospice on January 1 if we “made it”. (Did the computers keep on working??!!!) Mom passed away on January 4, 2000 – and I still miss her every day.
My husband and I have our own New Years’ ritual. We go out for a sushi dinner at a small favorite local place, then head home to watch a movie. At precisely 11:55, we turn on one of the TV channels to watch the ball drop, and count in the New Year. We always have a nicely chilled bottle of our favorite bubbly to toast with. Maybe a few hors d’oeuvres. Perhaps it’s just us — but it seems that the TV programs aren’t very enjoyable these days — so we put on an old movie (I love Fred Astaire) and then head off to bed.
We look forward to the promise of a New Year hopefully, but not with the excited anticipation of the young. I think that’s as it should be.
Dick – thanks for all you do. I know I speak for those of us in your “Huddle” who look forward to a new podcast each week (and enjoy the “Dickie Quickies in between).
Wishing you and your Lady a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!