...and dragons fly.....

Totally knackered ....but in a good way!

Up at 7.00 to prepare for a busy day.

Charlotte brought down to play with Grandad at 8.00.

Took Charlie and a coffee to wake Grandma at 9.30.

Every one up, sorted and fed by 10.45 and off to Manchester for the Chinese New Year. The Dragon Parade in the Year of the Dragon in a Dragon City!

Parked outside the city centre and walked in. Passed a camera shop....the Boss said..."Aren't you thinking of a new bag? Go have a look" Found a brilliant Lowepro for £39...."Go on", said the Boss, "I'll buy it for your birthday..........but you'll have to pay for now". So I did!

Met hebs and Corin at the Dragon Gate entrance to China town. Hung around for a while, a few forays round the square resulted in hot noodles, chicken wings, spring rolls, prawn crackers and pork rinds.... two paper dragons, a set of chopsticks (for Diane's birthday), a snake on a stick (for hebs!) five dragon flags and a drum. Charlie had a go at banging a drum.

And then the Dragon appeared!........Charlie was fascinated....hebs and I took photos like two possessed people........fire crackers....thousands of them...and then the lion dancers...bringing luck to all the businesses around the square...the ritual blessings..more mad clicking 0f shutters...and then it was time to go.

Home for 3.45....a quick coffee and then off to Diane's birthday barbecue....met several friends....ate burgers , sausages and chicken....drank lots of beer...stood around the fire and laughed until we nearly cried....drank more beer....and then we set off back home.

Home for 8.50....and then off to meet B and D for a beer.....B has had a bit of bad news health wise....but hopefully it will be ok....so we drank some more beer.....beat them both at crib...and then back home for 11.50!

Once home I realised I was somewhat with drink taken....at least 8 pints worth...so decided blipping was not a good idea...in fact trying to talk was proving a tad difficult....so I left it until now (Monday 4.00 p.m.).

What a day.... 3 social events running into each other..........

Das vidanya moy padruga.