Hogmanay

If you know me...you know that i'm not much of a traditionalist.... perhaps its just that i like to say that i'm not. Regardless of the syntax, i am not big into tradition...but that's not to say i don't completely disregard all folky praxis'. At this time of the year, its a bit difficult not to participate in some of the deeply rooted Western European conventions however commercialized and Americanated.

This morning i was contemplating what i could come up with for my family that would make the disconsolance of Christmas de-installation a bit more...convivial. I think i'm on to something which would 1) keep my workload to a minimum with the decor, 2) keep me in the kitchen where i usually wanna be anyway, and 3) give them something to look forward to at the end, the smell of which should make the entire process extremely memorable. Ergo, the sense of smell due to its chemical imprint on the psyche's template that will trigger memories far into the future when they take in the same essences at times latter.

One tradition that i do particularly enjoy on the first day of the New Year is making a big ole pot of Hoppin' John. As of now, it's slowly simmering on the stovetop...the garlic, onions, smoked Christmas ham, and the rich earthiness of the black eyed peas themselves conjuring appentence into the air of our home. Later i'll mix up some sweet cornbread and this year will begin RIGHT...comfort for the soul food, a portent for good in the coming year food.

I'll leave you with this... last night The Queen and I gathered with some good friends and brought in the new year similarly as millions of others, good food, good drink, good friends, good fellowship and we tried to sing this song and realized none of us really knew the words. I thought, its Robbie Burns...we should know.

There are some auld traditions that shouldn't be forgotten...

Happy New Year, Dear Reader...and many happy returns...

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days o'lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS