It's the end of the year.
Trees (real and fake) can be seen inside people's houses, festooned with baubles and draped in lights.
Multicoloured lamps dangle from balconies, eaves and porch-posts.
In my part of the world, people are venturing to the beach, or the nearest swimming pool, to escape the steadily-increasing temperatures.
Sunscreen is applied daily and hats are essential.

As for me, I'm heading off on an 18-hour drive (spread over 2 days) to see relatives not seen in up to 12 months.
I'll be eating a lot, drinking more than what scientists say is healthy, having all-too-rare and all-too-wonderful conversations with close family members, and heading off to the beach as much as I can.
As such, they'll be a pause in my uploads while I make merry.
Although there may be one or two uploads that demand sharing around this time...

But before I go, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of my watchers.
As I have said many times, to know that you think my work is worth continuing attention is a truly wonderful affirmation.
I worry I don't communicate that often enough, but I am yet to think of sufficiently creative ways of doing that.
So I'll say it now, and hope you'll remember it all the times I leave it unsaid.

I hope you all have a wonderful end of the year, and that 2020 treats you with happiness and generosity.

ddoc