Happy New Year

Here we are again! A new year! A fresh start! Who knows what will happen this year? Interesting. Happy New Year to everyone and, as Robin's Mother would say, "May you always have the strength to enjoy all of your weaknesses!". And with that in mind ...

"Auld Lang Syne''.

Many of us did not know what those "three little words" exactly meant, albeit appreciating what they signified. It [is] an old Scottish poem written by Robert Burns around 1788 and the title when translated literally [means] "Old Long Since" in keeping with the strange English phrases of that era.

The 1st verse is:

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne?"
For auld lang syne, my Jo (meaning "my dear")
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne."

The 2nd verse is hardly sung or known:

"And surely ye'll be your pint cup
And surely I'll buy mine
We'll take a right goodwill draught
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my Jo
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne."

It's all about a toast to the old year with draughts of beer or ale.


So at the next New Year Party, or on January 25th, take this printed copy with you or memorize the two verses. Your friends will be amazed. And what are your resolutions? Mine are:
1. I will not sky dive,
2. I will not try ski jumping,
3. I probably will not eat escargot, again,
4. I found a pretty good whisky, Buchannans, and will probably keep some on hand,

At least that's a start. Cheers!