Virtual New Year's Eve party

Right you lot. I am sorry that I am otherwise engaged tonight and will not be able to join you in the draughty barn of a place gorgeous castle that is Balmoral but in order to preserve Scotland's reputation for hospitality, I will nip up before it gets dark and leave Black Bun, Shortbread and Dundee cake along with Scotch Broth and copies of the Steak Pie, and Veggie Sausage and Mushroom Pie, which I am making this afternoon for tomorrow. Specially for Galen I will also leave some miniature Haggis, Neeps and Tatties Pies. Sorry, I have finished the last of this summer's raspberries, so no Cranachan but how about oatcakes and cheese or apple crumble? I have also booked the Red Hot Chilli Pipers for your entertainment after the bells. They are headlining in Inverness tonight so won't have too far to come.

Now a word of caution. There will of course be many fireworks displays, civic and private, just after midnight but you may not be aware that there will also be big displays with light shows in Stirling, Stonehaven and Inverness starting at 8.14pm till 8.30pm. Best to plan your route carefully to avoid these hot spots. I think there is also a big display in Edinburgh in the evening as well as the usual fireworks at the castle at 0.01. Personally, I think the best place to be at midnight would be the dining room or roof of the ROSL in Princes Street but too late to book it now.

Newist I do not need a flying machine because I have found that if I just go outside, bend knees slightly then press down hard with the heels, I can take off effortlessly and either glide along admiring the scenery, or by pointing my arms in front (like superman) fly at jet speed. I often pop over to Barra or Lanzarote like this - no fuel required just BELIEF. My one and only 'ball gown' is midnight blue, long and floaty, with a sequin encrusted, short jacket. I'll drop that off too if it is of any use.

AlieOxon I'll pick you up on the Broadway, outside Boots at 11.00pm. We'll have some time to spare as I've calculated by my speedbrooooometer that it'll take approx 45secs from Oxford to Balmoral (that is where we're heading for? isn't it? . Perhaps we can nip into the Cornerstone for a swift pint?

Thanks Galen, so far I have "A pearl necklace* and nothing from the neck down, not a pretty sight.

Charley, Goose - if no answer I will go with whoever gets here first - I will be ready by 11pm....

About to wish a HNY to my oldest friend now in Queensland - I looked up their weather and it's 81degrees at midnight, phew!

I can lend you a spare pearl necklace
Do you need anything else?

As the Hebrides does not seem to be on any magic carpets or broomsticks flight path, I am at this moment having to don my very old frogmans suit, I have missed the ferry and no planes go to the venue. I shall swim "Over the sea to Skye" then climb a few mountains. My problem is I will need to borrow some kind of flowing gown to suit the occasion, if anyone could lend something I would be grateful. I am not too fussy but would like, a bit of glamour. Thank You in advance

Do we have to dress up posh it''s cold out there? Perhaps we could lay on virtual summer warmth and virtual Scottish late summer evenings.

We should not disturb HM as she does Sandringham at Christmas I think! What time is it again?

We should be able to get away with headscarves at Balmoral and Hunter wellies and tweeds.

Should have been what time folks?

Hat time folks?

Yes, to the fairy lights, glamma. They'll add that touch of sophistication!

No prob's when I'll just "flash" my lights when I'm coming into land I've got some spare fairy lights for your hat if you need them ? you can fix them up to my dymamo

Ooh, yes, count me in, Glamma! I'll be waiting outside for you. A bit last minute, so I'll have to find something to wear.........(rummages through box in loft)......aha! yes!.......this cloak and witch-y type hat will do nicely. See you later.

I've just had a quick test drive of my 4 x 4 top of the range bespoke broomstick and she runs well now after that little disaster last time I was out on it,I misread the "Sat Nan" and landed in a field by the side of the M56 instead of my back garden but all good now.
Does anyone need a lift as I have 2 spare seats all nicely padded for comfort oh and I have a couple of pacamac's in case it rains on our posh frocks

I will be wearing my opera-singer's long dark blue velvet dress (actually used to have this, never found an occasion) should be warm with silver cloak. Tiara hat.
.......look out I may sing.....

Mornin!
Oh dear I seem to still have two different people picking me up, do there have to be two of me?

Charley, Goose, who will it be?....and I'm in Didcot....

Anyone else need a lift up from South Oxfordshire? I could leave at 11.58pm and pick up from North of the Shire if needed…..

I'll see if Phoenix wants a lift on my brand new sparkly heli-carpet (it has a luxury suite built in and auto navigation.) it's a long way from Devon - anyone else travelling up country? Room for a few more.

Can someone organise the weather, please? It's ark building weather here!

Don't forget this tomorrow!
It's saner than grandads computer one!
I think

At last!

Ah! [ tchhmm]

[cthhmm]

[chtsmile] I'm sure you've earned the mortar board.
After all, it's only a matter of degree[chthhmm]

AlieOxon - Carfax, Oxford 11.59pm 31/12/13? I'll be the one wearing a black gown and carrying a big book of spells, but as my hat got squashed when I accidentally sat on it, it looks more like a mortar board than a pointy hat:-(