 On The Line -- Issue 564 -- January 6, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 564 -- January 6, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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It is 2006 and many people are mildly surprised that 2005 went by so quickly. It was a memorable year for many reasons and one that a lot of people would like to forget altogether.
The continuing carnage in Iraq was the year's big story, of course, with American military deaths rapidly approaching the 2,200 mark, and the toll of Iraqi dead running into the tens of thousands. Hurricane Katrina was a close second, with its toll on human life, property and trust in government on many levels. Indeed, many of the people in the Gulf states are bitter about their plight, and many are making new lives far from their homes. Terrorism in many part of the globe has made the world a much more dangerous place. Fanatics who gladly detonate bombs wired to themselves in an effort to kill bystanders claim the headlines almost daily. The death of a well-loved Pope who brought much of the world together in his long service to humanity was deeply felt by many persons of good will with the mourners members of many faiths. Corruption and scandal in many high circles of government made headlines again and again and, sadly, was the cause of high glee among many political opponents. A few calm and reasoning voices spoke out for less partisanship but their messages were ignored by much of the nation. Record prices at the gasoline pump, and the great increase in electricity and gas for heating have put many Americans in desperate straits. The plight of the elderly on fixed incomes and families subsisting at or below the poverty level sorely needs to be addressed. But for all that, the promise of a new year and opportunities it may bring gives hope. The human spirit is resilient and rises again and again to meet new challenges and to reassert itself no matter how often it has been beaten down. With other nations developing nuclear capability, the threat of a pandemic with the potential of sweeping the world, plague and famine in many countries, it would seem that Man is powerless to combat it. But he will prevail as he has for centuries past against madmen, war, famine, pestilence and great natural disasters. San Benito County, like all other American communities, was affected to some degree by national and world events. And our residents have had their private griefs throughout the year. Few of us have not suffered a loss of a family member or other friend during 2005. Yet, we see 2006 as the year in which something wonderful may happen: meeting a new friend or being reunited with an old one long absent from our circle; finding that long planning and work for an enterprise will be rewarded; or perhaps even finding peace and love. Cynics abound who are ready -- even eager -- to tell us not to get our hopes up, that the world is not likely to become a safer or better place, that friends one deeply trusts will see to their own interests first if they run counter to ours. Ignore them, or pity them that their nature is so small that it cannot abide the happiness of others. They determine other people's thoughts or actions by what they would do in their place. We are unable to change or resist some negative events but many times we may be able to shape our own minds and resolve in how we meet them. The most popular persons in any social circle are those who are positive in outlook and who are willing to lend an ear and a hand to those whose spirits are flagging. The old year went out with glad cries greeting the new one, a renewal of long friendships and general celebration. Bars were full in the usual custom and some people drank too much but in all, hope abounded. Cilly Fisher ended the old year just as she had begun it, by hosting a dinner for close friends at her Ridgemark home. Son Gary Blanchard and his wife, Debbi, were visitors over the holiday, and lent Mom a hand in preparation. As the last few hours of 2005 ran out, she greeted many of the same friends she did when the year began. Each brought hors d'oeuvres to go with the entrée she had prepared, Chicken Sans Souci. Ms. Fisher is as good a cook as she is hospitable. The arrival of each couple was cause for embraces and kisses because they are among her truest friends and they reciprocate her feelings completely. Arriving from their Ridgemark homes were Jack and Francene Markle and Ed and Rose Ford. Coming in from Hollister proper were Salvador and Irene Agredano, who were already laughing in anticipation of the evening when Ms. Fisher opened the door. Two other couples were there from out of town, also close friends, and the evening progressed in a spirit of fun and camaraderie, with a little wine to ease it along. Ford and Markle's voices carried the tune when the entire company greeted the New Year with "Auld Lang Syne." The last guest was gone by 2:30. The ladies dutifully carried the glasses, dishes and other utensils to the kitchen before leaving but Ms. Fisher told them she would do them later after getting some sleep. Everyone went home with another great memory and the sense of friendship reaffirmed. It was raining the next afternoon when David and Ravena Huboi, along with daughter Carmen, welcomed friends for a New Year's Day dinner at their home on Bayberry Drive. Harvey and Rose Bryan were the first to arrive, and she and Mrs. Huboi talked while Huboi and Bryan talked of many topics, from time to time sneaking a peek at a football game on television. Mrs. Huboi had prepared a variety of hors d'oeuvres, and soon everyone had a deviled egg or cheese on crackers. The adults had a spot of champagne in recognition of the day, and Mrs. Huboi occasionally stirred a pot of chili whose fragrance was tantalizing. James and Heidi Connor with James Jr. and Michaela Connor arrived last, thus completing the company. Carmen and Michaela greeted each other warmly and immediately repaired upstairs to discuss whatever girls talk about. James Jr. stoically remained with the adults. For the next few hours, conversation and laughter abounded with a number of jokes, old and new. It was dark by the time the guests left to drive home on wet streets but everyone was happy that a bright new year stretched before them. |
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