Well, here we go....

Update. Whee. Fireworks....






So far fairly quiet for a Silvester evening, probably about one third of the racket we had last year.

And so this terrible year is coming to a close. Had a phone call from the wife of a regular guest from Montreal a half hour ago. We had sent the usual Christmas card. He passed away in September, it turns out. I have known him for over three decades. He was a furrier, made some beautiful things.

As usual, it was a difficult conversation. You never get used to that, or ever find the right words to express your regret. Not really. It is never easy, I guess. Just when you think things can't get any more depressing, they tend to anyway.

So, will close out this year with the sincere wish for anyone dropping by here that the coming year will be a good one for a change, and a healthy one for all. And Happy New Year to everyone in Australia and New Zealand. You've already got the madness behind you as we are just winding up for it.