Take out the old and ring in the new

It's hard not to use clichés at this time of year and get slightly melancholy about the passing of time. But let's try to desist, eh.

It's been a good year for me and at last my blog has finally come of age - it's only taken me about four years to perfect the art of keeping it up-to-date. It has also meant that I've got to know some fantastic bloggers out there and, despite never having met any of you, I think of you as friends. Sometimes virtual friends can be as good as or - (dare I say it?) - even better than real life friends. You don't get interrupted, let down or put upon by blogland friends. You don't have to answer the phone to them if you are not in the mood or remember to send them cards for events. You can dip in and out of their lives, as they do with yours and they are articulate, witty, funny and kind.

I hope that all bloggers who have dallied here for a while and who write all the cracking posts that I love to read have a good year ahead. Let's hope there are good books, good wines and good food and laughter to be had over the next twelve months.