The nerves of a first-time sparkler artiste

This is Shortie who, until tonight, hadn't had a shot of a sparkler. Tell the truth, I actually can't remember when I last (or have I ever?) held a sparkler - I took the bonfire night safety stuff too much to heart as a child, me thinks - big feartie.

As Shortie was a bit nervous, we shared a sparkler, and she rather enjoyed it. This is her first solo sparkler, while wearing new panda-bear ear muffs - essential gear as it was a cold but dry and still night.

What a great day all round though. As Shortie spent most of the day with a friend, I got housey stuff done then had a good walk in Eglinton park with J, whom I don't get to spend way enough time with. Beautiful crisp weather, golden autumnal scenery (some more pics on flickr if you fancy) and lots of blethers in the fresh air. Topped with mini-bonfire activities and sausages in buns at my folks'.