There is the temptation to jump to the next year’s numeric.  But we’re not there yet.  We’re still within the year 2025 for at least another 3½ hours.  I am intent upon recording this narrowing gap because it is the celebration of the coming year that is at stake.

There has been a surprising amount of activity today, New Year’s Eve 2025.  I feel as though the day began weeks ago. But it was only at 7:30 AM this morning in Pembroke, beneath a cold grey sky. We nourished ourselves with a healthful breakfast at the hotel then packed and headed home, a 1½ hour journey that transpired with uncommon speed. We chatted about everything we had done for the past several days, putting hospitals and meetings behind for a moment at least. Then we rudely interrupted our leisure and glee when we bought a Circle K car wash subscription only to discover within minutes thereafter that the car wash was out of order! Tragedy!

But the recovery was almost instantaneous.  Southern Oil (aka ESSO) is behind the venture. Though they hadn’t any remedy for the immediate problem, we took advantage of their national scope by driving to Terry Fox Drive in Ottawa to another gas station where a similar car wash service was available for the identical subscription.  Naturally the distance defeats the initial intention of reducing winter travel; but the economic spoliation was overcome through accommodation. And the drive along clean, open roads made all the difference. We were truly relieved!

By coincidence when parking the car in the garage (and after having discharged my passenger at the front door), I encountered Jim and Laura.  Laura offered to deliver some goodies; and, in consequence thereof, I invited them for a drink – because I am always anxious to share our cognac, porto or sherry. They arrived – gifts in hand – and they stayed for a polite while, imbibing of the fortified wine and exchanging tales of the past with us. It made for a highly agreeable New Year’s Eve celebration to my thinking! I have just unwound an easy-to-peel clementine – the ideal consummation of the New Year!

Upon the departure of our guests we have miraculously dissolved into our traditional habits of domesticity. My ambition and production in life are now shamefully banal. For reasons I cannot entirely explain or fathom, I am decidedly spirited about life in spite of my numerous limitations. I have no looming commitments; there is nowhere I am expected; nor have I any remorse concerning the lack of obligation or enterprise. At the same time, I am resolved to acquit myself well. I haven’t any reason whatsoever to constrict my energy. I am thus bound to advance with force and a smile. I cannot recall any year in the past when I felt so convinced of the dawn of a new and refreshing era. The feeling I have is akin to marvelling upon a newly baked bread being drawn from the oven. Everything stirs the senses and contributes to a sense of accomplishment – whether warranted or not. How, after all, does one assess life as anything other than splendid! It isn’t about any particular success or achievement; it isn’t about pleasing others or oneself; the spectacle that surrounds us is sufficient cause to rejoice – an evocation to celebrate the beginning of another year, time to start afresh, putting aside the blemishes of the past, erasing unnecessary hesitation, moving forward with vigour and desire.