Judy and I got just back to Maine more or less on schedule, with all our baggage including the banjo (no stowaways;-)). It's a looooonnnnngggggg trek but we certainly had a lovely time in Oz, and we want to thank you again for your hospitality and good humor.

Here, things are quite Christmas-like with trees all covered with snow, about 6 inches on the ground, and ice on the walks, and somewhat colder than Sydney, about 30 degrees outside and probably not Centigrade. The cats seemed pleased to see us, especially Judy's fluffy black one, and they were well cared for. No family emergencies while we were away and only a few plantive telemarketing appeals on the answering machine.

Hope you all have a lovely holiday season, and give our love to your neighboring roos and wombats.

Charley Noble, back in Maine