Tonight I had the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration. For some that would be a fireworks display at a Great Gatsby style house party, possibly with a side order of bagpipes for the whole Scottish vibe, but not for me.

The library was only open for a half day and after closing up I browsed the three charity shops in town picking up three books by Patrick O’Brian. I’m gradually accumulating the entire series of his age of sail adventure novels.

I passed the wine-shop on my way back to my bike so I nipped in to select a bottle. It was busier than usual with the owner rapidly boxing up purchases and answering questions about ingredients for cocktails. Clearly I’m the only one in Castle Bailey not attending a shindig of some variety this evening.

Linda was throwing a p...

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