New Year's Eve

We've had a good holiday week at home - the weather hasn't been great but we've been able to relax and also get in some bike rides and walks along the coast. The walking will be a higher priority over the next week or so for all of us, as we've agreed to look after a friend's dog while they go away - a small black and lively puppy called Ozzy, who is some sort of spaniel / poodle cross.

We weren't sure how well he'd settle in the house and therefore we had turned down 2 invites for NYE drinks to look after him (and all the girls had other plans), but in the end Ozzy seemed worn out from the day's exertions and went to sleep about 10.45 and so the two of us decided to head down to the harbour to watch the fireworks.

After a wet start to the day, NYE turned out warm but overcast. We drove to Cremorne and parked about 20 minutes walk away from the harbour, but there were quite a few other groups heading there. We arrived with about 15 minutes to wait and it didn't seem as crowded as previous years, either due to the earlier weather or the higher level of police and banning of alcohol this year.

However, there was a good atmosphere and the fireworks didn't disappoint - after quite a low key start, the last half of the 12 minute display was very impressive and some great effects along the bridge. We then walked back to the car and were home by 12.45 to a sleeping dog - and fortunately there aren't any local fireworks to have woken him up as you can't buy them in the shops here.