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CELEBRATION OF 2025 AT CRAIGSIDE

The fireworks at midnight bringing in the new year is now a shadow of what it once was when the local government clamped down because of noise, air pollution and injuries.  However, below you can see some photos I took of that moment last night, and there were some major fireworks out there, much of it probably illegally brought into the state.  One of these accidents at one home killed at least two, with 20 more seriously injured.  It happened in the Salt Lake area of Honolulu, where I took most of the shots.  But this photo to the left was sent to me.  That must have been the incident.

In New Orleans, a 42-year old Texas man, rammed a pickup truck New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.  Apparently, the driver was flying an ISIS flag, so authorities are calling an act of terrorism.  It's possible he had partners.  A lot more will be coming on this tragedy.  The Sugar Bowl game between Notre Dame and Georgia was postponed to tomorrow.  

After being away for two months, I'm certainly appreciating the comfort and security of 15 Craigside, a seniors' community in Honolulu.  Yesterday began with a mile walk to Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church which is adjacent to a Gold Tree in bloom.

My walk back with 15 Craigside in the immediate background behind this graveyard.

We had a special New Year's Eve Dinner.

The buffet.

Flowers in the lobby.

Kadomatsu and carnations.

Then last night, joined the poker group for a party and midnight fireworks photo session.

Fireworks from midnight.  It was raining a bit, so the clarity of the photos was affected.  The noise was nevertheless deafening.  

So Happy New Year 2025.

My annual ozoni ingredients.
Ozoni with ikura and ume on the mochi, plus ahi sashimi, with sake and Kirin Beer.
The Rose Bowl was a slaughter in the first half.  At this point, it was Ohio State over Oregon 34-0, until in the final play of the half Oregon finally scored.
Ozoni with ikura and ume on the mochi.
Second bowl
With ahi sashimi, sake and Kirin Beer.
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