New Year's Day 2010.

Indian Art.

Yesterday morning started with a bang when one of those Chinese fire crackers was set off right under my bedroom window.

After that at regular intervals during the day fireworks were let off, some very close others in nearby streets, but all very audible.

They were not our dog’s favourite sounds, but as Richie had them out early up to the woods for two hours so they were pretty relaxed about it.

Plus Richie got them new toys and tripe for their dinner last night and a whole bag of things dogs love to chew, so they had a good day.

In the early evening there were lots of fireworks being set off, it was funny how it all stopped rather dramatically when everyone went in for dinner.

My auntie Herrad phoned me very early to wish me a all the best fro 2010, it was nice talking to her.

From 8 pm there were more fireworks, this happened in waves, at times we had to turn up the music in order to hear the music.

What was pleasant was hanging in the front room with Richie; it was enjoyable to do the Motomed exercises next to the Christmas tree.

And to chat with Richie while he made our dinner, I phoned my auntie Sigrid in Canada, who immediately said, almost crossly but I was going to phone you tomorrow.

When I told her that I needed to hear her voice right there and then she did not keep protesting, in fact she sounded rather pleased.

Also phoned two friends, one in Liverpool, our dear friend Wally and the other Frits in France, and John in Glasgow, sadly none have computers so can not stay in touch via e-mail or Skype.

I ask them hopefully each year if they have a computer but to date they do not, even been trying to persuade my auntie Sigrid in Canada to get online.

She herself says it is a shame she does not have a computer as we could be in touch so quickly and easily, she reckons now she is in her late 70’s that it is too late for her to learn now.

It was lovely speaking to my auntis and these good friends, at the bells at midnight I called a few people, most were not home, spoke to my good friend Angela in Devon, she sounded good.

Then we watched Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, his New Year Eve Special which was brilliant, Tom Jones and Kelly Jones from the Stereophonic’s dueted together which was very good.

Dizzie Rascal and Kasabian played, and Dave Edmunds, Paloma Faith, Florence and The Machine, Paolo Nuttini and two amazing guitarists.

It was a great show that lasted for two hours of good music and Jools talking to various well known folk.

All in all it was a very enjoyable night last night, at midnight there was not the barrage of noise as per usual, instead there were some fireworks and every now and then there were big bangs.

Nothing like last year and all the years since 1982 when at midnight a barrage of fireworks would start and would last until at least 2 am and some years until 3 am.

Last night it only lasted for 30 minutes and by 1 am it was all over, seems it was too cold with a mean north easterly wind and snow.

I got quite tidily from the rum in the early evening and at midnight drank lots of proseccio and inhaled lots of THC, it was a very good night here.

Today is a beautiful bright sunny and extremely cold crisp day, so far it is quiet with few people no the streets.

I woke up having slept soundly, despite feeling all the usual pain I am feeling good today and enjoying the afternoon sun.