Traditons

New Year's Day is full of traditions for both Dave and me. As kids growing up in Southern California the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl were big events. We watched the parade on television and I remember taking a ladder and going to watch the end of the parade. I don't remember if we did that often but do remember going to see the floats where they were parked. Dave's memories were about seeing the parade in person. They started with people passing kids to the front to sit on the blue line. (a line painted on street about width of parking strip. People can move out to that line at midnight.) Many years they put out a bench the afternoon before and moved it out at midnight. Then they discovered that a bottle of booze could entice someone to move the bench for them. There is nothing that can portray the beauty of the floats. Remember every inch of the floats must be covered by plant material. Following the parade was the Rose Bowl. During our early years it the only bowl game. Some years the outcome mattered to us. Other years we just wanted a good game. It was always part of the day Fast forward past marriage, babies and several moves. After hearing all the stories it was time for the kids to experience a night and day on Colorado Blvd. (Cindy Haven do you remember what year that was?) The big difference was Dave's parents RV parked on a side street. It was very nice to have a bathroom and hot breakfast. We still had to find a spot on the curb in the afternoon. Watching cars cruising up and down the street and crowds on the sidewalk contributed to the festive atmosphere. Then midnight came and everybody moved to the street. Very gradually things settled down some. Even wrapped in a sleeping bag it is difficult to sleep on a busy street.. We " let " the kids have the privilege. We then stayed home on New Years. The new tradition changed to a big pot of chile simmering on the stove. Crispy rolls and fresh fruit finished out a eat when you are hungry day.