Many thanks for all the kind wishes, it was indeed a great birthday. I stayed out of the shop for the most part, the power stayed on and we stayed warm. That Trane hi-efficiency heat pump never ceases to amaze me, it can pull heat even out of 15 degree outdoor temps, most quit a 20 degrees.
We drove up the road about 5 miles to this small restaurant, bit more than 12 tables and a bar - excellent food, had mesquite BBQ ribs and a couple of martinis. Good conversation with people at the next table and most of the staff know us. Despite the bitter cold it was a pleasant drive as the Impala's leather seats have electric bun warmers.
Returned home and watched a little CNN and sipped some cognac, habit we picked up in Europe, as the Swiss call it 'un digestif'. Pete (bully) you have no one but yourself to blame since you were the one who introduced me to AK - and it is nice to be out of the asylum.
So may I, in return, wish you all a great Holiday, whichever one you celebrate and our best wishes that 2007 will be a better, kinder year. As my Yorkshire fiorebearers would have said it;
Here's to all an us, may we never want nowt, nun on us, nor me nother:yes:
(It's better said than written).
God Bless
Rob