Happy New Year to all !!

Hubby and I went out on New Years Eve - quite unusual for us - as we normally stay at home. The dogs, especially Jackie - the Jack Russell - is petrified of fireworks. They are banned except for organised, legal displays but that doesn't make any difference to some people !!! Little Jackie runs frantically around barking at all the bangs - whether far away or close by ... it's hell for her.



We were home before midnight struck so were here to comfort her ... but the evening was spent at Montecasino where we had dinner at the Thai restaurant, Kai Thai - their food is always good although, this time my medium prawn and cashew curry was much hotter than the normal medium strength ! .. much gulping down water and beads of persperation on the brow - and it wasn't a hot flush !!!



There was a New Years celebration in the Piazzo which I believe turned into quite a party later - these photos were taken early evening where everyone was still very sedate ....

... enjoying the music ......


... the twirling of flags ....


.. and fire dancers ...

We left the party-goers and revellers thronging towards the celebrations ... and made our way to the auditorium of the 'Teatro' ... (note ... it's filled with 'oldies' like us!!!)

... to watch and experience ....

It was spectacular !!!! Skaters from Russia .. slick performance .. magnificent costumes .. beautiful music ... absolutely stunning! So cool .. meaning the opposite of hot (!) - remember, we are in mid summer ! ... watching the performers glide on ice when it's swelteringly hot outside !!!! We have made a mental note to see the next show when it comes again in two years time!!!

So ... from us ... hubby and I ...

... to you all !!!

Weekly Winners - 9 Nov - 16 Nov

This was a sticker on the envelope given to Bradley at his graduation ceremony. Oh my... time has flown .. seems like the other day Pete and I were celebrating the birth of our first grandson and now he was graduating from Grade 00 to Grade 0 next year!!! All dressed in black gowns and caps with red tassles. A huge step up .. they even have their own section in the school, completely separate from the littlies and the biggies!


(Thro' the crack in the door) - Elaine studying for her very last exam for her Honours at University

Hickory Dickory Dock

The mouse ran up the clock ....

Nicole, Erin and Connor

The 'music man' from the Salvation Army

Nearly full moon

A garden path in my garden

Pearly droplets on the hebe shrub

More Weekly Winners on Sarcasticmom.com

"I am a music man ... "

... and I come from far away

What can you play

I play the trumpet ...................."

This lone figure from the Salvation Army came walking, very slowly, down our road late yesterday afternoon, playing Christmas Carols on his very old trumpet ...

... he played beautifully

The road was empty of cars and the neighbourhood was quiet except for the sound of his trumpet

We gave him a donation, after listening, and appreciating his beautiful music ... and then off he walked .. slowly .. up the road again with his trumpet sounds wafting in the air .. it was special!

Jeanette also took some photos