I want to take that chance to wish all readers a happy new year. Let’s hope that 2008 will be an interesting one, in the right sense.

We have 20 adults and 22 children descending on us tonight for a wild new year’s eve party. I expect we will drink some wine, and even more beer. Catering for that many is quite a challenge - Fiona has cooked a really great beef stew, into which went the balance of two decanters (these were mostly

full) and a further bottle of red wine. One of the decanters had some rather good Bordeaux in it (a mistake).

I’m looking forward to next year, but I’m additionally a tiny bit apprehensive. There’s no need to be, really, and fear can be pretty crippling whether you let it affect your decision making. So, like a diver on a high board, I’m going to put those anxious thoughts behind me and take a jump into 2008…

Original post by Jamie