I dug out a few more photos from the archives.

The first was taken 40 years ago tonight.

Meda and I were living in a small, two bedroom apartment in what was then known as the Circle Jade, the unusual round apartment building on 9th Avenue in Kaimuki. It’s now a condominium. In those days it was a rental building owned by retired dentist Dai Yen Chang.

Our apartment was on the 4th floor, over the old Kolohe Lounge, looking up towards Palolo Valley. Our view looked over the parking lot of Zanes Market to Waialae Avenue. Across 9th Avenue was the old W&M Hamburgers, and the Aloha Lounge.

Towards midnight, we went out by the elevator to take in the thunder of all the fireworks, and I got this picture of the corner of 9th Avenue and Waialae, thick fireworks smoke very much in evidence.

I also found a couple of pictures from New Year’s Eve 1962 at my family’s home in Kahala. We were celebrating with old friends of my parents, Libana and Charley Crabb, and their kids, Maile, Chris, and Mary. Tony Crabb, the oldest son, was gone. My sister, Bonnie, the same age as Maile, was away at college.

Some of you may recognize the names of Tony and Chris Crabb, who went on to create a family volleyball dynasty.

But back in 1962, my mom prepared a whole Hawaiian feast, laulau, poi, and accompaniments, to usher in the new year.

That’s my mother on the right, sitting next to Mr. Crabb. I’m in the background on the left, feeding my face. My dad is taking the picture.

Just click to see a larger version of the photo.

Below, it appears to be toast time at midnight. Libana and Charley Crabb, and my father, raise their glasses to the new year.

Tonight in Kaaawa, it’s quiet at 7 p.m. A few firecrackers have been heard, but just barely enough to send cats scurrying for hiding places. The new fireworks law may be working. We’ll see.

Today, as then, I wish you all a very happy New Year!