New Years Eve in Quincy California

I’m home alone. Tami’s at work. Spent some time on the computer then, about 8 o’clock, I retire to the couch for some netflix before bed.

Having only two NYE modes, in bed early or loser-drunk, I chose the former. This isn’t a tough decision. Being here since last Sunday, December 23 and having met a few of Tami’s friends, no invitations have I received yet.

Oppenheimer it is. If I don’t get through the entire three hours, there’s always tomorrow night. Tami’s last shift before a seven day break. I’m really enjoying the show. I hear a noise. Backfire or gunshot? That’s the typical response. It’s New Years Eve and not ten o’clock yet. Oh ya, fire works? Yet it’s only one brief report. You have to pay attention to this plot, it flips between three timeframes. A while later another similar sound/shot. Still not near midnight.

Now, in Canada, when you hear such a noise you think, like I said, “Backfire or gunshot?” and in that order because even in today’s era of electronic fuel injection and 7-year disposal vehicles backfires are as rare as gunshots. If we dismiss the backfire, the next immediate thought is “if that was a gunshot; will there be more?” because typically guns are out and operating for only two occasions; harvesting meat or not. “Not” opening all kinds of possibilities, none very positive.

I know what fireworks sound like because in our little 5000 person Hamlet there are two fireworks vendors and innumerable customers that need no reason to set them off. Is it after any meal? Is it a day that ends in “day”. Is it dark? None of this matters. Back when I worked, on more than few nights, as tried I’ve settled in to sleep by 10:30ish that attempt has been interrupted by fireworks . . . in any night of any month, whether it’s dark or not. So, yes I’m very familiar with the sound of fireworks and how long they can last for, anywhere from a few over a few minutes duration to several over several minutes, up to 30 or 40.

Another “shot”. Back to the Canadian perspective. “Who is doing what with a gun?”. So rare a thought. Then I realize I’m in the USA. Everybody has guns! Three for every person, I’ve read. I go back to watching the birth of the A & H bombs. Much less disturbing.