New Year -- 2009 Rose Parade

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !

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Here's wishing each of you health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year.


The 120th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California is where we'll start our New Years Day. The theme is "Hats Off To Entertainment." We'll watch the colorful flower-covered floats, marching bands, with special Grand Marshall, Cloris Leachman, travel Colorado Blvd. eastward. Near Sierra Madre Blvd. are our bleacher seats located some distance from the prime television coverage area. Quite likely we won't be in the range of any TV cameras, so contrary to my previous comment that you might see us if you watch the parade, that seems quite unlikely now based on new information I've received.

These exotic looking floats are then parked after the parade in a special area for a few days. This is where we viewed them on occasion in earlier years. This will be the first time we've seen the parade other than on television.

My daughter and granddaughter helped decorate a little green car associated with the Cal Poly float.

I can't write more now, 'cause gotta get to sleep for an early morning arousal to be up and on our way to Pasadena.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS !

Greetings and best wishes to everyone during this holiday season.

New Year's Day I'll be seated in the bleachers at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California accompanied by two family members and a couple who are our friends. I'll wave to you if I'm aware the television cameras are panning us.

I'm seeing an increasingly extravagant number of outdoor light and animation displays this year. Subdued light decorations have been my choice especially ever since the energy crisis was announced many years ago. We were encouraged that year to cut back on outdoor light displays. Nothing has changed as far as energy issues are concerned to the best of my knowledge, but that particular energy conservation seems to have become more minimal with the public each succeeding year.

I've enjoyed the colorful lights through the years as have my children, so I defer to the varying attitudes we each have about this matter.

I have chosen to continue a minimalist attitude toward what sort of holiday light display I prefer. I simply place artificial candles in one window that faces the house's front. This year I began by lighting just one candle beginning Sun., Dec. 21st, the night some of my family arrived. I've added a candle each night since and will continue to do so in honor of the various celebratory occasions this time of year.

I just learned last night a couple more family members will arrive for a few days after Christmas, so am looking forward to a lot more unexpected joy and laughter.

Hope everyone has a wonderfully happy holiday!