December 31

We're not superstitious so to speak, but if there is a way to walk around a ladder instead of under it, we do it. Tho they have no rational basis we wouldn't want to intentionally defy any superstition. You never know!

Like the ladder thing, consider the shape of an open ladder; a triangle that signifies life to some. When you walk though the triangle, you are tempting the fates. You may also awaken spirits that live within the triangle (including evil spirits who may not be happy with the disturbance).

That, 'you never know', is why we pay attention the the following:

The first visitor at your house on New Year's Day must be a male or you'll have bad luck.

Don't do laundry before 6 p.m. on New Year's Day or you'll wash someone out of your life.

You must eat black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day. Black-eyed peas for luck, collard greens for money.

On New Year's Day, put an egg and a dollar in a bag, throw it out the window of a moving car, but don't look back. This will bring good luck.

I can't remember what the Pickled Herring does or prevents for you but I'd say eating a bite can't hurt.

I'm not sure how Glenda and I will stay awake until midnight so our plans are to ring in the new year watching the New York bash on TV. We can do that at 9:00 our time then go to bed.

I imagine I'll be in a pretty weakened state come Friday or Saturday and probably should stay close to the house. I plan to eat two or three cans of collard greens myself and I'm positive the results of that will flush me out pretty good but we really could use a little money!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions. -Thomas Henry Huxley