I don't mind getting personal from time-to-time so here goes: a New Year's tradition to share with you. I hope other members have traditions also.

In December of 1975 the Wife and I bought our first house after six months of marriage. Money was tight after the down payment, surveys, lawyer's fees, etc. The mortgage rate was 14.75%. We moved in December 29 with enough furniture from a one-bedroom apartment to fill a three-bedroom house. That did not work very well. But in a sense that was a blessing: it gave us a chance to paint the entire interior on December 31. On New Year's Eve we had basically an empty living and dining room. And the temperature dropped to -20F so the latex paint would not dry. The place stank of paint and we did not have any furniture. There was no money to go out and celebrate.

You do what you have to do. I bought a bottle of cheap wine and we ordered in Chinese food. That was eaten on the living room floor on top of overturned cardboard packing boxes. What the heck, it was fun!

And every year since we have done the same thing. It has become a tradition. Life has been kind to us and our careers but today I bought a nice bottle of Chardonnay and the same old MSG-filled Chinese food (that never seems to change). And tonight we will eat that haute cuisine again for the 28th year. Albeit on a table . Thought I would share.

Happy New Year's Everyone!

 

You're absolutely right Paul. Nice to see some people do not forget the tough times. It makes us appreciate what we have achieved in life, and not just in material things. Happy New Year! :party:

 

Great story Paul, I wish you both the best. For New Year's as long as I am with my wife and kids nothing could be better - had enough years of partying to really appreciate how great my own family is and how much I enjoy being with them above all else. Ejoy your wine and food my friend I have all I could ever want with me at home tonight as well. :cheers:

 

Enjoyed the story Paul. I don't have any new year's traditions but I liked your story so much I will try to start one. Happy New Year!

 

Thanks Fellows. It was a very nice dinner. Lit the fireplace, dropped in some birch and all is well. With the Chardonnay, staying home this evening. Plus this damn winter in Canada is just not right: rain and freezing rain, no snow. In any case, please don't drink and drive!

 

Great story, Paul (as always..) Tradition is important for monumental occaisions... That's why my sister and I started a "Western Canada" Christmas just for us... It involves skiing in "exotic" locals such as Banff and Jasper, since we can't go to mom's and have a huge French-Canadian style gathering...

All my best wishes to you, your family, and all the GREAT People here on the Forum... Even the ones that drive year 'round! :lol:

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

 

Nice story Paul. We are babysitting our one year old grand daughter tonight, just might make that into a tradition for my wife and I. She is alot more fun than a new years eve party.

 

Great story Paul, like they said it's nice to keep things simple in life and as they say stop and smell the roses in life.
Ours is build a fire and eat sitting on the floor by the fire (by the way was Chinese last nite), shoot my shotgun in the air to welcome in the New Year.
Life has been good to me! "HAPPY NEW YEAR" To all the CF members
:party: :cheers: :party: