End of 2019, End of a Decade?

Photo above: Mexican landscape at dusk; November 13, 2019

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It is true that, technically, the decade will not end until December 31, 2020; it is the same counting problem that was debated at the end of 1999, when the great majority of people celebrated the beginning of a new Century and Millennium, a whole year earlier than the actual event (January 1st, 2001), since there is no Year Zero in the timeline of the BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) system.  This system was invented in the year AD 525 by Dionysius Exiguus, a monk during the time of the Roman Empire. The Roman numeral system, which was still in use then, has no concept of zero. Thus, the day after December 31, 1 BC was January 1st, 1 AD.

However, within a popular context, the beginning of a new decade, century or millennium are associated with years ending in zeros (2020, 2000, etc.), and so this New Year’s Eve will mark, as far as I am concerned, the end of the 2010s decade. During this decade, my daughters became responsible grown ups, I was appointed as co-editor of my church’s newsletter, started my blog, got to write my mom’s bio and, in particular during this year, I was back to my native Mexico in three occasions, and had the chance to meet with relatives and friends that I had not seen in years, as well as new people now important in my life.  I have mentioned some of my friends from middle and high school, whom I met in the spring, and last month (see for example, Post #200- Best trip 2019, Easter – A Sweet Memory, and my previous post.)  I Attended one of my nieces’ wedding, where I met a new branch of the family, and also saw my oldest niece after many years, and met her two sons.  Sadly, I lost my beloved mom, and as it often happens, this offered an opportunity to speak with, and see relatives and friends with whom I had not been in touch; indeed, a bittersweet trip to Mexico that became a journey, giving me a chance to reflect, forever changing some of my views on life, and death and many other things.

I have many projects, goals and plans for the coming months, years, the new decade; there are already many exciting times in the horizon for me and my loved ones.  May this be not just the end of another year, but the beginning of a new era!

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And to conclude my last post of this momentous year (and decade) on a stellar note, this is my suggestion for:

A New Year’s Eve Menu

(Please click on images or highlighted text for details and recipes)

Garden Salad with Avocado Dressing – Ensalada con aderezo de aguacate

Leek and Potato Soup – Sopa de poro y papa

Mrs. A’s Spaghetti and Braciole – El Spaghetti con braccioles de la Sra. A

Lime Cheesecake Sandwiches – Sandwiches de pay de queso de limón

Have a Happy New Year

and the Best New Decade ever!