Wow!!!! I just walked in from a road trip. First time in ages all of my parent's kids are in the same place, in fact its been a while since we have all been on one continent at the same time. So we are going to dinner tomorrow night and celebrate the birthday. We are also, on a less celebratory note, going to have a family roundtable about my Da. This tough old Paddy is hangin' in there, but he is feeling like it might be time for him to get away. Love 'em, while you have got them, dear friends. Cherish them, honor them, sing to and for them. Tell them while they can hear you about how you just wanted to be like them. Make them feel the appreciation you have for the values you learned from them and the skills that they have taught you. All too soon you are standing there thinking you want one more day in a field with them, and you know it is not to be. But part of our tradition is the comin' and the goin', and I get to see my Pops and he will tell me Happy Birthday, and I will love it.

Here's to all of you. This has been a rough couple of years for me, and 2008 has been the roughest. I know I have not been the finest company to have this year, but I do know that in the midst of tragedy and heartbreak, I turned to you all for support, and there it was all freely given and from the depths of your hearts. I will always cherish that and be grateful for it, and try to repay it as we finish the business at hand and head forward. Your love and concern are far more powerful and moving than can be described.

All the very best, and with love and appreciation,

Mick Lane