Congratulations to you, Jerry, from one who beats you by six months. I am probably one of those who is thought to have "dropped out", but I assure you I have not. I may not post as much as I used to but I do try to lurk a little every day and stick my oar in occasionally. The trouble is that with all the new members you mention, there is now far too much to read and digest than I have time available - in fact, I confess that much of what appears in these threads now goes unread by me. So sad, but true! Maybe, with the shorter days of winter just around the corner, I will soon be able to spend more time here - one can only hope (at least, this one can!).

If I have any regrets regarding XMtS it is that there is something of a paucity of members located here in The United Kingdom. That said, I have made numerous and true friends both here and across the Globe through the forum. Many have come to visit me here in Storrington and, in turn, I have travelled across Canada, the USA and the British Isles to meet others. Great guys (and gals) all of them, and that is just one of the reasons why XMtS is such a success -the fine quality of its membership. That, however, would be for naught were it not for the foresight of Highland Tide and the hard work of his Moderators who keep this fine place going. My thanks to everyone involved in whatever capacity.

Take care,
Ham.

[PS: If one of the afore-mentioned Moderators would kindly update my avatar to read "92 kilts and counting", I should be much obliged!]