Happy New Year

As I awoke this morning in South Pasadena, I was expecting rain. Every weather-person was predicting a wet day today, and forcasting a dismal morning for the Rose Parade. Hah! A sunny, though cold (by SoCal standards) morning. Why can't I get a job as a weather-person. They are only right less than half the time. And in Southern California, it is not like we even have weather. Today is usually like yesterday, and much like tomorrow. When there is weather to report, like rain (stay tuned for Storm Watch 2005!), these folks fall all over themselves like they just discovered a cure for cancer. Perhaps it is the routine monotony of the job that causes this sort of enthusiasm for real weather.

Still, after almost a week of tropical rain here, that the sun would be shining on New Year's Day morning is rather remarkable. Or not. Knowing the history of the Rose Parade, it has not rained on the Rose Parade since either 1954 or 1955. That's a long time!

In the 20 years we have lived in the Pasadena area, we can recall several times when New Year's Eve was windy and rainy, and yet New Year's Day was dry. At least in the morning, for the parade. Is this a sign of the Almighty's blessing? Or did someone long ago make a Faustian deal with Old Scratch to ensure a rain-free Rose Parade?

The real "news" is that we stayed home this morning. Our custom for the last 10 years or so has been to awaken at 5:00 a.m. on New Year's Day, and walk up Orange Grove Boulevard to see the floats up close and personal. We usually get to about Del Mar, and then turn back due to the crowds and congestion. We usually get back home just in time to watch the parade at 8:00 a.m. on TV. Back home with hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls. Mmmmm. Of course, it is easier now that we do not have to carry the kids on our backs, or push them in a stroller. Those days are long over, but the wonderful memories remain.

We always see neighbors and friends from our area when we make the walk. What a great experience! People from all over the world watch the parade on TV, and we get to see the floats just by walking a mile or two to see them. An international event, for us, is profoundly local.

So we will enjoy the parade from the warmth of our own home this morning, and with hot chocolate. Alas, no warm cinnamon rolls. South Beach or Atkins already plays the spoiler role!

Happy New Year, from South Pasadena.