It's weird, SS, but your comment about parallel universes has got me thinking. In a way we do operate in parallel universes - you're North (being Santa), I'm South (being a hobbit)and Mudcat is the sort of vortex through which we all communicate - across space, time, from one reality to another.

and according to some, parallel universes are the way it is. That means, according to quantum physics, somewhere, in another universe, I'm sitting typing this post, and you are reading it.

Now I don't pretend to comprehend quantum physics, and I only managed to read the first few pages of A Brief History of time - but one of the things he said in it was - did you know that our bones contain the ashes of dying stars?

It must be that curry I had for dinner tonight - but I really thought you were Jack Halyard for a while there Santa - the jaunty humour and - yes, a particular song reference, made me feel that it was someone very close to home. However, in consideration of the theory of parallel universes, I have realised that you may be somewhere else, probably upside down, and have done some very good homework.

freda