The End. . .

(The End. . .)

"This is the end. Beautiful friend. This is the end. My only friend, the end. Of our elaborate plans, the end. Of everything that stands, the end. No safety, no surprise, the end. I'll never look into your eyes. . . again.


This mournful anthem that begins the Vietnam classic Apocalypse Now ! seems appropriate for this last day of 2022. Some chapters are closing while others invariably open and to make any predictions at this point could be a fools' errand. A word could be said about the passing of Pope (ret) Benedict XVI. As he had been replaced by current Pope Francis, there will be no convening of a Conclave. Famed TV journalist Barbara Walters has also moved on.


People usually celebrate New Year's Eve. Some number gather in Times' Square and watch the Ball drop. The countdown of the last ten seconds of 2022 are loudly announced as the Ball hits the bottom. Then, what happens ? Is New Year's Eve the moment to look ahead ? Or. to look back ? 


Perhaps a little of both because there will be continuations into next year. What probably is coming to an end, however, is peoples' patience. Every story from the last 364 days will be in the next 365 but this popular tolerance will not be un-ending. How long will people have to wait before there is a new House Speaker ? Title 42 or not, having the border the way it is ? What about the Administration's inability to curb inflation ? Having Transportation as clueless as Southwest Airlines when it got cold ? How much more need be given to Ukraine, regardless of what the situation on the ground might be ? And countless other issues that people re having to deal with.


The good news is that with the passing into New Year, the Holiday Season concludes. For most, the Christmas decorations are being brought down and kids are already bored with their new toys. God knows how many diets are now needed. For Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and her sister, this is the best time of the year for them.


So, have a party. Main line that Champaigne and watch the Ball drop. After New Year's, all anyone can do is just things one day at a time. 

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