I haven't written a "thank you" letter for many a long year, but this is it, Eric, Kat, Thosp, Embo, and LD.

Had a splendid session last evening at the Sloop, to usher out an equally splendid mid life crisis, but as today is my first day of official old age (41, before you check the birthday list!) I have made an appointment with the doctor for a full service and change of cam belt.

My children bought me a marvellous Buzz Lightyear birthday cake, which is about to be sampled, and Jane, my long suffering (and I mean it) wife, bought me a smashing CD of all the best session tunes I can't play yet.

Lest you thought I have been ignoring the good ship Skipjack, I nosed her out of the creek for a smashing bithday sail last Saturday. The children were aboard, so we went alongside the wreck of the Pilot Jack (an old Lowestoft drifter, about 70', that has been hulked on the side of Woodup Creek for all my years) and it was like re-living my own childhood, as they talked of pirates, and the treasure buried within her muddy bones.

Eric, I can't come to the Jug as I'm going home for some bubble and squeak, but will hopefully make next week.

Again, thank y'awl. I like it here.

Skipjack / Greg