2019 is no more. We are now entering the time/space of 2020. My expectations for society are low. My expectations for my small bubble of existence are high. Fun trips will be made. New friends will be found. Small adventures will be taken. I intend squeeze every ounce of happiness out of the days ahead. On this New Year’s Day, we can celebrate some no-so-famous holidays: National Bloody Mary Day, National Polar Bear Swim Day, Z Day and National Hang Over Day. The Z Day is about lining up in alpha order and a tip of the hat to the people who were always at the end of the line. Now to the history of this date: In 404 this was the date of the last gladiator competition in Rome. Do you realize that men fought to the death in front of cheering audiences for nearly 500 years? In 1430, the Jews of Sicily were no longer required to attend conversionist services. I couldn’t find out how long this law was in place. In 1772 the 1st traveler’s cheques go on sale in London and can be used in 90 European cities. In 1788 Quakers in Pennsylvania emancipate their slaves. In 1818 Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is published. Finally, in 1890 The Rose Parade, then known as the Tournament of Roses, is first held in Pasadena, California. This is the birthday (1911) of the Novelist J.D. Salinger (Catcher In The Rye). He said “All morons hate it when you call them a moron”. Probably true. This is also the day in 1953 that Hank Williams died at the age of 29. He said “Folk songs express the dreams and prayers and hopes of the working people.” I searched on “Hank Williams Song Lyrics” and found a web site that listed 175 songs. Pretty impressive for someone that only lived 29 years. Today I’ll raise my glass and toast Hank. He would have been fun to spend an afternoon with. Now, I’ll start this 1st day of 2020. It’s going to be a fun year. Abide
