Fernie sang Auld Lang Syne each New Year’s Eve. She sang it with the passion of the Greatest Generation. Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians performed it on New Year’s Eve. The Scottish song title means ‘old long since’ or for old times’ sake. It is considered the New Year’s Eve Song.

‘Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot In the days of auld lang syne?’

‘For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet For the sake of auld lang syne.’

‘And surely, you will buy your cup, And surely, I’ll buy mine! We’ll take a cup of kindness yet For the sake of auld lang syne.’

‘We two who’ve paddled in the stream From morning sun ’till night The seas between us roared and swelled Since the days of auld lang syne.’

So, one door is almost closed, and a new door is open. What will we do with a wealth of days? Shall we sit in the rocking chair on our front porch and watch the world go by? Each New Year’s Eve, we have, until now, been given such riches and thought little of them. We assume they will always be there. Has it not been so? Days to learn compassion and to love more. Days to study how to be small to be big. Days when those whom we do not know well look to us for understanding, and we are busy. Days when some people do not fit into the plan.

Tomorrow is another day…until it isn’t. The Watchers are watching. How will we do with another bag of gold called time? More wine, more food, more fun, some say. Live today for tomorrow we die. Others say, ‘Let me work quietly in the field of the needy without fanfare or recognition.’ Will we spend our gift of time helping those who do not know our name or station? Will we expect from others what we are not willing to give in return?

The Weaver is working, and the loom is flying like a shuttle. Which wool yarn will she use for the master rug? How will it add to the overall pattern and plan of the fabric art? What is our perception of the Rug Weaver? Shall we continue to observe with fascination, or shall we learn how to operate the Loom?