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Auld Lang Syne! Happy New Year from Gambino Realtors!
Happy New Year From Gambino Realtors
It won’t be long and we will once again be singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight. The meaning of the phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is unfamiliar to us English-speaking Americans because it’s actually an 18th century Scots term. The literal translation is “old long since” but its meaning is more like “old times” or “olden days”.
As I get older, I sometimes wish things were like the old days when life was simple and carefree. On the other hand, I do recall that in the late 70’s our nation suffered an oil crisis which led to long lines at gas stations everywhere, and many simply ran out. The oil crisis was a contributor to high inflation and high interest rates. In 1982, Rockford had the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the country at 24%. When I started in real estate in 1985, interest rates were around 15%.
Suddenly, the “good old days” don’t look so good. In comparison, today we have record low mortgage interest rates and home values are climbing at a strong pace. Employers everywhere are desperate for employees, and even though gas prices have climbed recently, there is an abundant supply.
In every generation there have been highlights and challenges. What the future holds is always uncertain, but someday, perhaps, the next generation will look back fondly to these days with the phrase Auld Lang Syne.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never learned all the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne, so here is the first verse and chorus. We wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o’ lang syne!
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne!
Jonathan R. Krause, President
Gambino Realtors | 815.282.2222 | www.GoGambino.com
