Hot Lips

The amaryllis is ... past its best, going over, drooping. On the way out ... but it has been magnificent. I hope it will bloom again next year, if I remember to take proper care of it.

If this was a normal January, we'd be in Glasgow for Celtic Connections. This year it's gone online and tonight is opening night. We signed up for the pass that lets us access the entire programme - dozens of events, for the princely sum of £30. Of course, we said, it won't be the same ...

Getting it up on our new screen was a bit of a cliffhanger, but in the nick of time we were in. Just like rushing into your seat at the last minute.

There's a lot to be said for being able to see the musicians' fingers flying and their feet tapping out the rhythm, the little glances they exchange.  Also,  the sound is so much cleaner and more resonant. And you can lounge on your own sofa and open a second bottle of wine, why not - this is holiday time for us.  

Though we miss the chat in the queues, seeing familiar faces in the bar, and waiting in the rain for a taxi. But as substitutes go, it's not too bad  (extra). The TV isn't that huge, it's the effect of the camera's wide angle lens.