Day 282 New Year’s Day

It is twelve minutes into 2021. The general consensus is that 2020 was the worst year of our lives, and that 2021 can only get better. I walked out onto the Lane as Midnight heralded what will soon be the start of of my 73rd year. Ye Gods!

It was cold outside, and rather hazardous underfoot. I slithered to the field at the end of our street and heard the explosions of distant celebratory fireworks, and saw flashes and far-off displays, much of which was hidden beyond the brow of hill of the field.

Back inside, I watched the end of the London fireworks and light show which I was led to believe wasn’t happening this year. I was very impressed. Alicia Keys then continued her superb New Year’s Eve concert, this year “sans audience”, and then Jools Holland on BBC 2.

I looked back to the blog I wrote this time last year. Then, I had never heard of coronavirus and was looking forward to cruising to South America in ten days’ time. I don’t mind not going away this time. But nobody’s setting sail in January. My mega trip this year should have been from August to October, but that, too, is cancelled. However, this time next year, my New Year blog for January 1st 2022 will, hopefully, again, include anticipation of a QM2 voyage to Australia, revisiting numerous far-away places I got to see back in 2018, as well as a first visit to the Holy Land, Bali and other places. And with luck, this year’s cancelled round-the-world itinerary can take place in 2023.

It is now 52 minutes into 2021, and will turn the T.V. off and head to bed, even if I do feel wide awake.

Thanks for reading and all the best for the New Year.

David, January 1st, 00.57hrs.