New Year's Eve was surprisingly pleasant. Because Nadia had Tom for an extra night away camping, I was released to attend a very-late-notice party. With a decent view out across the Nepean Plain towards Sydney, a group of smart, nothing-to-prove people and some fine champagne, the evening went like an arrow towards the forfended hour.

When it came (and I surprised myself by actually being awake!), tiny florets of light appeared on the distant horizon. The large flat screen behind us mimicked this miniature performance with vast megapixels of cascading light and sound. A surreal contrast, to be sure.

NYE may be a foolish and irrelevant celebration, but it is nice to spend it in the company of pleasant people.