My year started with the sound of consumerism (the modern religion). I'd gone upstairs with a pint mug of tea and an Ann McAffry book to reread. I knew it must be midnight by the bangs, no church bells these days. We live on the Cheshire Plain 8 miles from a town, but all round the horizon there were flashes, and the sound carried well! So I watched from my window for a bit.

The first living thing I saw this year was Pat-the-cat who wandered up to sleep against my legs, and came down with me this morning to be fed and help me feed the hens (just about light enough at 8). I can hear OH stirring, but daughter hasn't come to feed her horses yet.

The house starts the year as it will probably continue. Music spread on the table to practise for tonight's session, tapes and dance instructions stacked on the chair to prepare for a club dance I'm calling on Wednesday. And in the kitchen evidence of a DIY job that needs doing. The sink was leaking, but when Jim tried to fix it the plughole broke! I hope we don't go too long with a notice on our tap saying "Do not use this sink" but I expect there'll be something else when that's done. So when I'd fed the hens I turned on the computer to look for B&Q opening times.

And to wish my unseen friends a Happy New Year.