Briefly (tsk!), I would like to thank Jim, for his common sense approach to solving his first experience of the orcadia roots web semi-annual "wakeup shakeup." Indeed, our common bond is our interest in Orkney, and our right to be honest one with another in sharing our views. If someone decideds to tell a joke on this site, I guess all you have to do is say you heard it in a pub in Orkney. When I heard our number is 165 souls, I wondered where they are from? I would like to somehow express my condolences to Royce's family, and if someone out there has an idea as to how we might do this as a group, I would love to hear it, and do it. He was a good chairman, and I still have his foto, bekilted and bearded, and proud. It wold be nice to have a few more fotos of the regulars at least, to be able to attach a face to a recognized recurring name. Sian and Bruce have filled in some of the blanks about island life in Orkney, but there are still lots of unanswered queeries as to values which motivate people to live there, to stay there, or to move there from elsewhere. I spent a very moving day on Wyre, in the rain, alone, and with no means of returning to Stronsay for some number of hours. I recall the roaming chickens, and that reminded me of the more rural areas of Manitoulin Island here. I made one of the best friends I have in life, on this list. It is like we are kindred souls, as we both have Orkney roots that run deep and historically interesting, we both were affiliated with north american indians, and we both are profoundly proud of our norwegian/orcadian roots. As our lives move onward towards some sort of sunset, we have both deduced that it is those simple things in nature which matter each day, and which inspire us. I think I am happy where chickens run free, in Cuba, Orkney and the Manitoulin. Sian mentioned the sunsets. I have a foto I took on Papa Stronsay of a sunset on June 21. I can relate, Sian, to your thinking and feeling. Also, to be divest of the dreaded auto accident threat in your neighborhood. An incredible blessing. Last year I had my first ever accident, and it has cost me half of my hearing, and I am insured a life of daily discomfort. Had I been living on Stronsay, what happened to me would never have occured. And nobody I know of has ever been attacked by a sheep! For all the years I have been jabbing and flabbing on this site, and with the friends I have made here, I have wondered about the mystical sort of element that Orkney possesses. I recall in my trip there, people actually asking about the family roots, and distant relatives and people who's families that lived alongside my family, actually grequently said..."Welcome Home!." This I found to be a real privilege to receive. People basically at some point in life ask who they are, and where they came from. It starts with the premise that none of us could get to pick our own parents. Computers have accelerated the genealogy research passion, beyond previous limits, due to time and cost. Several people I have met on this list, have had medical issues from time to time, and have shared their information with me, which I really appreciate. However, Royce is the first that I am aware of, that indeed passed on. I am sure he would want us to continue to dialogue, and to do so in honesty, remembering that we are all just people at the end of the day, with a common interest in a very special place. It is funny, how sometimes inasmuch as people in Orkney are proud and happy with their life, that people who move there from elsewhere are so taken up with the peace, the tranquility and the truly unique way of life. Sian's explanation was great, and thanks for responding. I had the privilege of meeting Bruce and his lovely wife Maureen, and Surrey, the independent ghostly white guardian of the hall, and I can say that their life as observed, indeed again, is something our of a story book. To move there, and to take up a totally different life, takes some courage and determination. But to actually make the decision to do it, is amazingly gutsy! So, thanks again Jim, Bruce, Sian and Nan Fowler and all of you who chose to check in today, and invigorate our little ship, and to meet our new captain from Georgia. And to Ginger, Norm, Charles, Anne, Karen, jeff and Dick and in fairness to Mike, who deserves credit for pumping up the volume . I was getting to the point where I felt like asking for a roll call check in, as things were so quiet. Historically, this site has always bounced to life, when differences arise. Sorta like a newspaper, I think. Also to In my way of thinking, had we not "chatted" we would not know that indeed Royce had passed on on April 1. God Bless him and his family. Take care.....and thank you... Stephen...an Islander....Manitoulin, Cuba and with content Orkney roots.