Thank you for your gracious welcome. After so many grey, wet & windy days, the sun is shining brightly & the sky is gloriously blue...a combination with which we are more familiar when we have previously visited Charlotte. I have been in touch with Janie & had hoped to visit her this week, but sadly a car plus driver has not proved possible. As a younger man, I drove in the States, but found the experience daunting & stressful, so I guess you could say I've 'whimped out' of getting myself to Janie's...just when she needs friendship & support the most...not very proud of myself.
          We hope that the good people of South Carolina are restored to something approaching normality just as soon as possible. The footage we've seen on CBS News is a tough watch. We got off very lightly here by comparison.
          With love to you all,
                                          Nigel & Ann in Mecklenburg County xxxxx