Not quite a conformist!

We went to buy some sparklers for the kids today.

Whilst waiting to be served I saw some "quiet fireworks".
I've never liked fireworks but Gemma needed cheering up so I persuaded Richard that we could afford a pre-made display of quiet ones and he finally relented.

Each firework popped loudly (well, it would have to, wouldn't it?) but there were no after noises, no squeals and no fizz-bangs (technical term). Dylan the dog watched from inside, wagging his tail.

The whole thing lasted 50 seconds and I think I said something like, 'Okay, that's enough now,' after about 30 seconds.

I still think they're too noisy, too decadent, too wasteful, too expensive, and we could have given the £25 to charity. But I said I wanted to buy Gemma Happy and maybe I bought her 50 seconds of Happy.

The kids' sparker show was still my favourite bit.