A Happy New year to one and all

New Year's Day - all over bar the shouting as they say, and for the workers - time to sit down and relax - much needed.

Edinburgh was buzzing last night as the expected crowds hit the town, and from all accounts were well behaved and good humoured. Saltire Cross flying high and proud , (Alexander Millar's drawing). The fireworks display was superb, much better than in previous years.

The Mercat Bar was very busy and if the revellers had had their way it would have stayed open all night - on the other hand we did close the Dolphin Inn . Bit of a sight as we were leaving at 8 p.m. (showing my age I think) - weather was a bit damp and raw, but two of the local girls were heading out for the town, wearing less than we would normally be wearing on a warm summer's evening - and they wonder why they catch their death of cold.

Party poopers we were, or just plain knackered, so it was an early bed and with a drive to work first thing in the morning, no drink to celebrate.

Usual restless night so I heard the merry wanderers heading home, and have to compliment the drivers of the Lothian Region night buses who did a great job in getting everyone home from the town.

Up sharp and off to the Dolphin Inn - whilst RGB headed back to the Mercat Bar which was very busy with folks trying to cure a hangover with the traditional remedy, a "Full Scottish Breakfast".

While they were busy we had a nice steady day, giving me the chance to get the new calender's up, and have the place neat and tidy for the New Year.

Biggest disappointment of the day was not being able to make it to a New Year's day party at Grant@photogenics - which I am sure would have been a hoot. If Grant has his way I am sure we will make up later.

Now back to the mundane - in this day and age, with a need to preserve our vital mineral reserves, why are the biscuit manufacturers and many others (whiskey, tea, etc) still packing their wares in tin boxes !!! - how many tins with photos of London buses, Prince Charles, "Uncle Tom Cobbly and all", do the collective "WEE" have stacked up in our kitchens and cupboards - probably enough, if donated , to help, if melted down to finish off our next aircraft carrier !! Time now for them to get their act together and use recycled cardboard, etc., We have a friend who has for ages has stopped using "gift wrap" and has returned to using either newspaper of brown paper !! - now that's my kind of girl.

Total drama this evening - an evening to remember - Pat died !!! yes, we have been watching the events of Eastenders unfold as an Icon of the show makes her departure. I saw an article in the press where she was saying how exhausting these final shows had been for her and afterwards she had taken to her bed to recover - even so it caused a stir.