Oh dear! It seems that Ingemar's mention of my name has started a flurry of concern - for which I am most appreciative, but please do not worry, my friends. For several weeks I have been experiencing 'complications' and 'discomfort' which I put down to a passing phase (or old age!) Immediately before Christmas I saw my Dr. who thoroughly examined me and considered that I should be referred to a specialist - I am still awaiting the appointment. Now we have the extreme (for us) weather with sub-zero temperatures and, at the last check, 7" level snow (with more just starting to fall). I've not been able to get the car out of the garage since Tuesday evening and, in any case, our local roads are now ice-bound so I doubt I'd get to the hospital anyway! Guess I might have to be patient until this lot thaws. There is no way I could walk as far as the village shops snow or no snow, but fortunately I have stocks of food, etc to see me through to next week so I should be fine for the time being.

Very many thanks for your concern, but I'll be OK.

Take care,
Ham.