Happy New Year

We're in Huntingdonshire with Lisa, Mark and the kids. I've had my nails painted orange and gold by young Poppy, who is actually ten today. Little Rosie seems to be hell-bent on staying awake, despite it being about six hours past her normal bedtime!

We've just popped round to one of their neighbours where we sang ABBA's Happy New Year and watched the extraordinary fireworks from Central London on the telly. I have to say, the shots of Big Ben and the London Eye made me feel rather proud to be British. I think you would struggle to find a more iconic landmark.

Brother Edward and Sascha are in South Africa, so we were a little surprised to received a New Year's greeting what seemed like two hours early!

We have sung a lot today. We've just done a three part harmony version of Let's Go Fly A Kite. How strange and disappointing life would be without singing.

We have also danced to Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush. Poppy came down stairs wearing a white nightdress and started dancing ballet so it felt rude not to.

We've written two lists each on two pieces of paper, one which casts out the nastier elements of 2015, and another with our hopes and dreams for 2016. We screwed the first up in a tiny ball and threw it into a fire and then allowed the aspirational list to float up the chimney. I'm simply hoping 2016 is going to be a little less stressful. As my Dad says, "just say no..." Actually, I think it was the kids from Grange Hill who just said no.

And what did the Kids from Fame say? High Fidelity?

Anyway, readers: have a wonderful and happy New Year. Stay happy. Don't be lonely. Don't be frightened to ask for help if you need it. See friends often. Look after loved ones. Be healthy. Don't be right wing. Love and be loved.