Dear All, Rita and I have chosen this way to send festive greetings to all our friends this year. Our constant to-ings and fro-ings between U.K. and Belgium make for an interesting life but it knocks routine into a cocked hat! We have struggled to despatch many actual cards of the traditional type in Britain, and this week in Europe but still we have probably missed out some. Time to enter the 21st century and issue our Christmas and New Year Greetings electronically. We shall see the year in about an hour earlier than is my wont, last time was over 50 years ago for me. (Europe is one hour ahead of Britain). Time was when I joined the throngs outside the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They call it the party city now, we had them then, no fireworks, no pubs open, just many thousands of people together to see in the new year to the chime from the clock tower. Many of you have been regaled with my quotes from Rabbie Burns for these occasions, and of course. This year is no exception! Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' lang syne? And for auld lang syne my Jo, (dear) For auld lang syne. Well take a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne. Please take special note, that's what Robert Burns wrote, he did not write about 'sake ofs' whatever they might be, simply three words "auld lang syne" in modern English, "old long since." Syne is pronounced Sign, not zyne. So when the time comes you'll all know how to sing it correctly Eh, <Grin>. A good yule to you and yours, Goodwill dwell - within your doors. We wish ye all, that which ye seek, And lastly; May your lum aye reek! It's no the frosty winter wind , It's no the driving drift and snaw; But Aye the tear comes in my e'e, To think on him that's far awa! Best wishes for 2003 to you and yours. Prettige Kerstdagen en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar as we say in Belgium. A quote from Robbie Burns that I like is; Wit,and grace, and love and beauty, In ae constellation shine; To adore thee is my duty, Goddess o' this soul o' mine! Bonny Wee Thing. With love to all of you from Rita. >From Rita De Kock and Joe Armstrong,