Thank you all. Peter, I am honoured, as it is a quote from one of my own editorials. If you, or anyone else, would like the whole enchilada, about 500 words or so, please let me know.

I have had an answering machine/secretary/callscreener for about 15 years. Now, with caller ID, I very rarely need it.

Rog has had a cell phone for four years, due to work. Out here in the wilds of Wyoming, I am glad he does, for he is often on the road in inclement weather or high up on some remote mountain with no other means of communication. It keeps us connected and, I feel, much safer. Used to be when he was in a snocat, labourously trudging up some windswept, snowladen, boulder-strewn perpendicular *hill* we never knew if he made it safely or not until he actually got to the transmitter building. I always worried about those long, 3-4 hours in between. It is also possible to drive for hours and never see another vehicle or town, thus no ready assistance.

I just got a cell phone this year, used it all of ten minutes last month and then, ONLY while parked. I refuse to sue on while driving. Since I am physically unable to change a tire, etc. I have for emergencies only and the ocassional "do we need anything from the store" kind of call.

I wish the whole world were made of up of more of us "odd, outcast, weirdos"**BG**.

luvyakat