Happy New Year, everyone!

I don't have a photo of fireworks that I can upload, but thought this beautiful floral explosion (a Clematis from the Calgary Zoo garden) would serve to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope 2011 will be a happy, healthy and safe year for each and every one of you.

I cannot thank all of you enough for the outpouring of support and kindness that I received yesterday, when you read about the death of my brother in England! I have read all your kind comments over and over again and still feel overwhelmed by your words. Thank you all so much!

I have so many e-mails to answer, things to read, try and puzzle out just what legal route I need to follow. My two girlfriends in Birmingham, UK, have been wonderful with their actions and their offers. I just cannot imagine how anything would be seen to, without their help and support. Linda has known my brother and me since we were all babies and toddlers, growing up together, as her parents and mine were best friends. Diana and I met at Teacher's Training College in Birmingham "a few" (yeah, right!) years ago and have stayed in touch ever since.

Thank you to my local friends, including those of you who have offered support via Flickr - your words and offers are so much appreciated. And thank you to my Flickr friends who live further away - your thoughtful words mean so much to me.

I guess the first thing I need to do is to make a list of my various relatives that I need to contact. All live far, far away, in Mexico, England, New Zealand, Australia, etc.. A sleeping tablet taken last night made sure I didn't have two nights in a row without any sleep. Even so, my mind is spinning with all the serious stuff that I know I will need to see to : )

Thank you all again - and Happy New Year!!!