Are we there yet?

I suppose if I worked I would be savouring this period of the year which is much interspersed with holidays. But I don't, and the holidays mean there are too many people at a loose end

probably partaking in that exercise which I find in my life I can only undertake if I'm in a good mood - shopping. Because I live in a condominium, areas that are delightfully free of fellow residents, such as the pool or the gym, usually have a smattering of these people to remind one it isn't all mine.

Today is yet another official holiday in lieu of New Year's day falling on a Sunday. And therefore, as on weekends, we choose our activities carefully. We used the gym rather than the pool, but as it turns out, both were devoid of people. But yes, this holiday malarkey does seem to drag on, and we only have another two new years to play with in the near future - the Chinese one at the end of this month, (which sees a huge influx of tourists from our Chinese-dominated neighbours), and the Thai one in April, which is best avoided because most things are closed. But anyway, the joy of Friday is that it will be Twelfth Night, and according to my rules on these matters, all sparkly and ghastly decorations have to be removed. In fact tomorrow might be a good day for the staff to begin that process, involving as it does unwrapping miles of lights that the poor trees and bushes have had added to make sure we are all truly jolly. Oh, that thought has already cheered me!