Hi Toot--I have been a widow for 21 years, maybe because I am an only child I like my own company and can quite happily go out to dinner or to the movies or even away by myself and am very comfortable with it--I do have lots of friends but I mostly choose to go alone.

I didn't spend the New Year celebrations alone - I had my dog, who barked at the fireworks, at midnight - how dare they come anywhere near her house! I went to bed after the Sydney TV broadcast of the childrens fireworks at 9pm. I didn't realise that the fireworks at the Coffs Harbour Jetty would be visible and loud enough to have my dog bark at them. I live and learn, after moving into a new house.

Hullo to all the lonely people and others, like myself who prefer to be alone. Being on your own for such a long time makes you very independent (selfish, some would say) but I really like to please myself when I come and go, when I eat, shop (I hate that chore). God help me if I ever meet someone I really want to be with!!

I do understand that some folk need to have at least one person in the house, but I have my beautiful cat, Gabrielle to keep me company. (She is usually asleep at my feet when I'm at the computer - she hears me turn it on and comes running).

There is a club at the end of my street and they have fireworks for lots of things, but the fireworks at the beach front can be heard from here as well. I did plan on going out for a couple of hours, but I fell asleep instead and couldn't be bothered when I woke up again.

Anyhow, that's it from me tonight. Jools

I feel sorry for the animals when they have these fireworks and also the birds it scares the life out of so many of them.

Hi Jooles, I was wondering what happened to you, you said you live near a beach, you lucky thing but I had a look at your profile and it didn't say where. Sounds like you've got living by yourself well covered.