Oh Happy New Year's Day to everyone

The finale of Mary's wonderful New Year's Eve dinner was in fact understandably served at 1-40am on New Year's Day. It was that sort of night; old friends, fun, food and wine galore.

This beautifully presented tray of her delicious chocolate and brandy mousse dessert fooled me by being heavily disguised as much needed coffee. I didn't mind.

Good fun and a fine start to our year, except for the absence of Helena, who sensibly stayed at home, being somewhat under the weather, but who was much missed! She did have Bomble to share the evening with and the midnight fireworks bursting out of the skies all along the Golden Valley, if only he hadn't slept through it.