Weirdly, on a short walk today, I was wished a very pleasant happy new year by virtually every total stranger that I encountered. It was surreal -- it hasn't happened in the past 62 years, why now??

A trio of joggers, a passing motorist who actually rolled down his window to wish me good tidings, after stopping to let me through the crosswalk.

Then the clerk and a couple of customers at the store.

I mean, this is how people are supposed to act at Christmas, and never do.

I was wondering if someone had posted a sign on my back, "I'm depressed, please wish me happy new year or I'll kill myself".

My wife's explanation is that people are still a bit inebriated from the prior night's festivities, but I think it more likely such people would be hung over, not jovial.

I chalk it up to people really especially wanting a fresh start after a mentally brutal 2018. So I finally have something to thank Trump for. I guess.

On the other hand that guy who stopped so I could cross, will probably be back to running me down by Thursday I suppose. Once reality sets back in.

But it's nice while it lasts ...