So much of any year is flammable. . .*
What we have learned since about 4 p.m. yesterday is that Stuttgarters really like their (self-administered) pyrotechnic devices on New Year’s Eve.
Sitting at home, the noise was terrific, particularly from about 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Venturing downtown this foggy afternoon, I was a little surprised to see everything — or anything — still standing.
The ground was littered with fireworks debris and broken Sekt bottles, but only this Konigstrasse shelter showed any real damage.
We went inside the Alte Schloss (Old Palace) courtyard for the first time during the Christmas season, and I admired the trees on the columns and star lights.
Have a happy 2016!
*From “Burning the Old Year” by Naomi Shihab Nye.
enclos*ure 
and the poor birds
http://meingartenimfliesstal.blogspot.co.za/2015/12/der-kleine-vogel-im-sturm.html
Interesting link. I knew the dogs had a tough night. I’m sure it must be terrifying for birds as well.
We often hear neighborhood fireworks at New Year’s but just realized as I read your post that it was quiet this year.
This was the most we’ve heard since Caracas in the mid ’80s — although there, the celebration noise also included some gunfire.
The fireworks here and mild pandomonium was unlike anything I had ever seen!
I enjoyed your report of the evening: https://simplythetomchos.wordpress.com/2016/01/01/guten-rutsch/
Thank you! Have a Happy New Year!