Dear All,

Yes, I am back from my two stays in hospital and a welcome period of convalescence. Let me say, right away, that I am seriously indebted to every one of you for all your wonderful, and often touching, messages and kind thoughts - I am certain they have all helped me along the way. My good friend Jim has willingly kept you posted as to the ups and downs of my recent health situation, for which I am grateful as I have been without access to the Internet for about a month. Whilst I am feeling much better than I did, my body is far from comfortable with the intrusions to its privacy and I am still tiring with frustrating frequency, but I guess that is all part of the healing process. At the moment alas, I am physically unable to spend much time at X Marks, or any other place on The Web, but I will lurk and join in whenever possible.

Early in November, or so it is currently thought, I will be returning to hospital for a further operation to restore my plumbing to its former glory, or something very close to it. That could be followed by a return to the truly excellent convalescent home by the sea in which I recently spent two restorative weeks. Er! That’s the home, not the sea!
This Friday I am to see my surgeon again when he will give me the results of the biopsy and tell me more about the plans for my future - I am optimistic that there will be no long-term problems.

The one bright note to have affected me during all of this was that I HAVE been able to wear the kilt throughout, at least when not confined to the dreaded hospital gown! Prior to the Op., I was led to believe that the location of my wounds might make kilt wearing impossible - I even sent for two pairs of dreaded elastic waisted t------s in readiness but two of Rocky’s Casual USA Kilts, with their easily adjusted velcro fastenings, got me out of that tight corner. Thanks so much Rocky. If anyone is looking for a couple of pairs of .............?

Finally, a top-priority matter awaiting my attention is the revealing to you of my other 100th kilt! You have seen the traditional gem I had from the hands of Barb Tewksbury in my own personal tartan designed and registered by Rocky, but you have yet to see Howie Nicholsby’s more contemporary masterpiece in a rare organic tweed from the Isle of Mull, with embroidery by a military broderer and a unique kilt pin. This one was personally delivered by Howie just a few days before I was admitted to hospital, leaving me no time to unveil it to you. That delight is to come - very soon!
Having now worn myself out, I’ll simply say....

Take care,
Ham.