As today is New Year’s Day, I thought it would be interesting to learn how we developed the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Using Google as my research tool, I learned the Babylonians made promises to their deities at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the deity Janus, for whom the month of January is named.

Let me start with best wishes for the new year. I hope I helped a bit to get you ready with last week’s blog highlighting my song list to ring in the new year which also exists in a YouTube playlist.

Everything seems to be in a constant state of flux. New reports on someone sexually harrassing someone else. It is disturbing, shocking and infuriating all at same time.   It's hard to feel steady when new revelations come out, on what seems like an hourly basis. Now I just shake my head and wonder who's next.   We have a huge new tax bill, which very few people seem to know anything about. Oh bits and pieces have been released but I don't think we'll understand the full extent for awhile.  

It's that time of year and whether or not they are followed through with, it is time to make New Year's resolutions.In as much as this has been one of the best years of my life, my first resolution is to keep on keeping on.Pass

Last Saturday, the Mediterranean Snack Bar in Huntington closed its doors - for good. It had been an institution for 43 years and, I can safely say that Flo and I have been eating at “Mediterranean” for a majority of those years. It was a safe place, good food, always welcoming and comforting. It’s the end of an era. I think back on other “institutions” that have come and gone. Some replaced, others always missed. A fitting reflection as we approach the end of the year.

One thing I love is being an Audible (www.audible.com) member, where I get books on audio. Sometimes, as a member, they give us some free audio. This holiday season they sent a collection, that included an "audio documentary" that was so uplifting, adding to my "there is so much good in this world that we know nothing about" theme that I am living.

 

One of the most fun aspects of this time of the year, for me,  is all of the treats that are delivered to my office. We’ve gotten Lindt chocolates, baked brownies, and chocolate covered pretzels. While I try to limit my intake, it  is exciting to see what gift will be delivered next.