It sounds like a war zone again, but this year there are more flares and sparkly fireworks and less of the noisemakers. Midnight looked more like twilight, just after the sun slides below the horizon—the light levels were that strong and steady. While the bangs rolled in like drum fire, there was no fear of walls collapsing from the explosions, unlike last year. Thank goodness!

Just toasted the New Year with a bottle of Riesling at Noche Buena with the family. Here’s to a fantastic 2007 to all!