Happy New Year

I did try to upload by e-mail earlier today (see the edit on yesterday's for a full explanation of the hopefully only temporary death of my camera), but it seems to have vanished in the ether, and my sister sent down a camera with her kids who are here for the night as she and Chris are working, so I was able to take a slightly better shot than the old one on my phone. I have spent a very fun evening with mum and my nephew and niece beating them all at Junior Monopoly. Added to the fact that mum, Chris and I won the pub quiz last night (we're conveniently ignoring the fact that our mark was 78.5/143, and focusing on the fact that ours was the highest score), it's been a successful 24 hours!

Hogmanay always makes me think of Russia. New Year is a huge thing in Russia, it is when Grandfather Frost brings gifts to children, when people put up trees and decorate their homes. Christmas is still to come (it's next week in Russia), and while it is technically it's a day off, it's the kind of day off you will have to work the next weekend day to make up for. It is celebrated by Christians, though for the non religious it's another excuse for a party, and the Russians share the Scottish propensity to take any excuse for a party and celebrate it with gusto. But it is now 2012 in Moscow, only the fireworks will be exploding across Russia, though many will already be in bed. People will be gathered with family and friends to eat a huge meal, drink champagne, light sparklers and fireworks and celebrate the event of the year. Now Russians take greetings and celebratory wishes very seriously, so here (along with the photo above), is mine to you:

May you all have riches in your lives, riches in the things that matter, in fun and friendships and family relationships, riches in things spiritual and may you have the material resources you need for a year without worry about things financial! Happy New Year, and may it bring you new happiness! (that last sentence is a very traditional New Year greeting) Wishing you a fun and prosperous 2012! May God bless and keep you all!