The New Year's Eve (and Day) Thread

I walked outside to start the car, then walked back inside. It took me no more than a minute, but my butt was numb, and the cold was already in my bones, after that short time outside. It’s that cold.

New Year’s Eve was not as bad as I feared. My son and I did the final cleaning of our old apartment then headed home to our new place. It was bittersweet, because we sat back and realized it was the last place my wife called home. But then we stopped at the store, picked up two filets, fries, and some sparkling cider. We had a nice dinner then watched the Times Square ball drop on TV. Our new neighbors shot off fireworks. Today, we slept in until early afternoon. I watched my alma mater UCF complete its perfect season.

Since 2017 was such a bad year for us (outside of UCF football), we had to say good riddance to 2017. This year will be a year of change, trying to build a new life without my wife. Maybe next year, I will have someone to kiss at the stroke of midnight.

Although I no longer drink, I remember how to open a champagne bottle. You will need a small towel. Hopefully, you won’t need pliers.

First, remove the foil over the cork if there is any. Untwist any wires over the cork. Use pliers if necessary.
Wrap the sides of the bottle with the towel. Do not cover the bottom.
Hold the bottle from the bottom, making sure the palm of one hand rests on the bottom. The heat from the hand will increase the pressure on the cork.
With the other hand, pull the cork off gently. If you hold the cork, it will not fly off and poke somebody’s eye out.