puffinbillyunst

As Ruthodanort pointed out, many of us have been south, so a lot has happened since the last update. Shetland readers will have seen my write-up on The Little Drummer Boy and Odyssesus in the local rag, so no more of that.

The trip away was nothing if not eventful. As well as having the inter-island ferries temporarily cancelled as we tried to make our way off the island, there were three hospitalisations, a funeral, an emergency vet call-out, freezing fog, toothache. You don't want to know!

Instead, here are some photos from our two destinations. In Liverpool, we visited Crosby beach to see Antony Gormley's latest installation: he is the man responsible for the Angel of the North. Inevitably, one of the 20-odd cast-iron statues on the foreshore had acquired festive garb. We also visited the recently refurbished palmhouse in Sefton Park.

In Edinburgh, I attempted to photograph the New Year fireworks. Not bad, but I think I need to be nearer next year.