1st January 2011

'Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never ...' the rest of the words blur a little as we clutch each other in a circle, bouncing our locked arms to the rhythm of the tune. It is another year over, and a new one just begun, as the Christmas song declares prematurely. Another year over of false dawns and relationships, one less year before the final reckoning, and how many left I wonder. The last year has brought it's successes and smiles, no question. My favourite fluke was to meet Siva Subramien who put me in touch with Dr Paul Cheung CEO of the medical group that has provided me with a big dilemma. Should I stay, or should I go? I've also made huge steps towards getting heart services modernised in central Manchester. Long way to go though, but the cup is half full, still. There's a new partner in the practice and the prospect of doing more cardiology work in the community. Smiles have included meeting all those cousins in Mauritius I never thought existed and Vivianne's joy at bringing it all together. It was also the year I had to accept giving up driving. I don't miss it that much. Sometimes it would be good to speed off somewhere, but not driving has made me plan better and be less rushed. Fee went, Sarah came and went, and briefly Julie and Alison too. I think I'm a bit stayed now to go for a full relationship. Ade ran up earlier and we caught up, as much as you can on the phone. The TV strikes midnight, there's a flurry of text activity, only no-one can get through, but it's nice to hear from people. It must be some sort of test. Who are the people you most want to text of new year's day? That reminds me, I should ring my parents later today. Peter and Sheila have text but not Heather yet. I'm at the Buddens house with a select gathering. Mr and Mrs Hennel and their wards, Wally and Jo, Jamie and Clare and Alison. The heavy Scottish presence, or should that be 'intrusion', means the Scottish TV bring us the New Year with the sound of the pipes. On the other channel fireworks over the London eye bring us back to England. Outside Chinese lanterns are released into the night sky. It is quite beautiful to see these anonymous prayers drift by in a moment shared with others in Manchester. I don't know how this tradition started, but I'm going to join in next time. Many are, of course, not here but I text my children and Anne, Andy, Ian, Phil, and Steve. Other ex-wives and girlfriends are out of bounds, but I give them a thought too and a little prayer of my own for their well being. Should old acquaintance be forgot? Nah, it would be like disowning your past and forgetting who you are.