The final countdown has begun. We’ve only got a few hours of 2019 yet to be lived. December 31st is upon us. We’re on the last page. Within 18 hours we will see “the end”, close this book and put it on the shelf. Historians will extract the significant events which will become footnotes in our history. Statisticians will slice and dice and come up with trend lines for economists to ponder. I’m interested in all of that but it really doesn’t make much difference in my tiny piece of reality. The fact that my name wasn’t on the list of the 57 million people who died in 2019 is a much bigger deal to me. I’m grateful for that. Today it’s New Year’s Eve, Make Up Your Mind Day, National Champagne Day and No Interruptions Day which is for people who work and are trying to tie up all those lose ends of the year. Now some interesting footnotes from prior years for this date: In 1695, a window tax was imposed in England causing many shopkeepers to brick up their windows to avoid the tax. In 1841 Alabama becomes 1st state to license dental surgeons. I know there’s a joke in that footnote but I’ll let it go. In 1904 the 1st New Year’s Eve celebration is held in Times Square. In 1924 Italian Fascist Mussolini orders the suppression of opposition newspapers. He said “The press of Italy is free, freer than the press of any other country, so long as it supports the regime.” Finally, in 1946 US President Harry Truman officially proclaims end of WW II. As you know, I look for quotes to end my posts. Usually from people who are born or die on this date. Today, I’m just going quote Buddha “Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” If you’re in good health, content and have good relationships, you’ve get everything you really need in life. I do and I hope you do to. Now let’s wrap up 2019 with a party. Happy New Year. Abide
