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BS: Things I shall miss about the USA
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Subject: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Murray MacLeod Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:10 PM In a little over two hours I am getting married to my beautiful Cajun bride Yvonne, and this will be my last post as a single man. Third time lucky, they say. At the end of the month we are returning to Scotland, where I have been offered a golden opportunity by the owner of the Pinetrees Hotel in beautiful downtown Pitlochry, where I will be dividing my time between making guitars, making furniture, and making music for the hotel guests. This is literally one of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The downside of all this joy and celebration is that I will be leaving a country whose people I have come to know and love over the past four years. It occurred to me to jot down a random list of the things I shall miss most about the USA (some of these are Florida-specific) 1. The weather, obviously. Although I have never had any problems facing the Scottish weather, I must say that being able to work outside stripped to the waist in December has its advantages. 2 Cuban coffee. Unique. Unlike anything else. I am going to suffer severe withdrawal symptoms. Nescafe Instant just doesn't hold out the same appeal .... 3 Free local phone calls. Having to pay for local calls in the UK means I can't just log on to AOL and leave the thing running 24/7, which I have been in the habit of doing over here. It does however mean that when DebC sends me an instant message she can be sure I am actually at the other end. 4 Feet and inches. Again, I have no problem operating in metric, it's just that I like working and measuring in imperial units, and going back to buying wood that is priced by the "cubic metre" instead of the "board foot" is really going to piss me off. 5. Cheap gasoline. $1.10 is what I currently pay for a gallon of gasoline, over in Britain it must be at least five times that. Bummer. 6 Turning right on red. Well, in Britain, it would be turning left on red. Such a sensible idea, keeps the traffic moving, why Britain hasn't adopted it I cannot understand. 7 American tools. As a woodworking tool junkie, I have drooled for four years over the range and quality of tools available both through specialist catalogs and over the counter in superstores such as Home Depot. I am going to miss Home Depot. B & Q doesn't quite match up. ( Or didn't last time I was there. ) These are just a few, personal, selfish and really wuite unimportant things I shall miss. There are of course things I am looking forward to with keen anticipation, such as the taste of British milk ( I have never enjoyed the taste of American milk ), and visiting Glenfarg Folk Club again. No doubt there other "things I shall miss" will occur to me later, but right now I got to go and get ready to get married. Murray |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: CarolC Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:15 PM Well, congratulations to you, Murray, and best of luck with your wedding! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Irish sergeant Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:19 PM Murray; I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. You might actually be ablke to order tools from Home Depot on line. (Hate to think what the excise men would charge you for that.) Congratulations to Yvonne and you. May I ask where in SCotland you will be? Just curious. My father's grandfather came from around Glascow if I remember correctly. Congratulations too on what sounds to be not only a once in a life time opportunity but a career to kill for. best of luck and keep in touch with us here on the cat. neil |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: PeteBoom Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:22 PM Congratulations. Best wishes to you. Regards - Pete |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Big Mick Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:31 PM Well shit, Murray. I had looked forward to the next visit to Florida so I could meet you. Guess I will just have to visit you in Scotland. And I will bring the Cuban when I come. Congratulations to Yvonne and yourself. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Kenny B (inactive) Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:34 PM Congrats & best wishes Murray AND there are deals from BT that give you free internet calls along with free local calls 6pm to 6am etc. all is not lost ;>) TTFN Kenny B |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: catspaw49 Date: 01 Mar 02 - 05:59 PM Great news Murray.......My congrats to the both of you. I too am sorry to see you go but you ARE getting a great chance there and I for one am very envious!!!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Clinton Hammond Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:00 PM SOunds to me, mate... like the pros still outweigh the cons... Besides... home depot has a web site! LOL!!! Good one ya eh! ;-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Jock Morris Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:04 PM Congratulations Murray; it will be great to have you and your new wife over here in Scotland. Be sure to take a run down to Dunfermline some Wednesday and call in at the Thistle. I am envious as hell of your new job; mind you, any job at all would do me at the moment! Scott |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Desdemona Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:07 PM All the best; you can always come back & visit! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: DougR Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:22 PM Congratulations, Murray. You are now a married man, I would guess. It sounds to me as though you have just about all any man could ask for: a new wife and a new career to die for. DougR |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: M.Ted Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:24 PM All the best, Murray! I hope that you'll still find time for us--though will will not blame or begrudge a newly wed man for enjoying the pleasures of matrimony! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Mickey191 Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:49 PM Sending my very best wishes to you both. Sounds like you've planned a wonderful life. Slainte Maithe. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Justa Picker Date: 01 Mar 02 - 06:58 PM Practise makes perfect Murray. Seriously, all the best to you and your bride! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Morticia Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:14 PM Congratulations and welcome home, is your good lady going to adjust as well as you or should our American comrades send goodwill packages? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Sorcha Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:16 PM Bread, salt and wine, Murray! Hope you both do well. The computer is going to Scotland, so we don't lose you completely,right? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: kendall Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:39 PM I dont feel a bit sorry for you! Sounds like you have your head on right to me. If you bump into Gaberlunzie, give them my regards, eh? And, the best of luck to you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: MMario Date: 01 Mar 02 - 07:45 PM Best of Luck to you both - and don't forget - you will have an advantage - a good network of people whom you can contact that are still on the left side of the pond. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Midchuck Date: 01 Mar 02 - 09:52 PM Is there really a Pitlochry? I thought it was a name made up to be used in a gross limerick. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:05 PM Congratulations on your wedding etc Murray, bring some warm clothes with you (its absolutely freezing here)! Think about getting a diesel car, petrol is reaally espneive here! My woodwork teacher was scottish, do you know him? (mr Brown) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: kendall Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:31 PM Are those hybrid cars available there? 700 miles on a tank of gas is quite attractive. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: katlaughing Date: 01 Mar 02 - 10:43 PM Congratulations Murray and Yvonne! It sounds wonderful and exciting and I sure hope you do stay in touch. Wow! Great way to start off the (almost) springtime! All the best, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 02 Mar 02 - 01:33 AM Get used to the singing of this song to the tune of Auld Lang Sang
Fuck Off ya Yank
Fuck Off ya Yank
Yuv neva heerd i heer...but yewl awlwas heer it theer
Sincerly, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Les Jones Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:31 AM How sweet.
Scotland is mega but the deserts or do I mean desserts(?) and mountains of Utah, Arizona and so on could easily be missed |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Amergin Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:55 AM Well congrats! lots of weddings going on around here. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: John Gray Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:10 AM I'll tell you what else you're going to miss Murray, you're going to miss Americans. You're going to miss all those wonderful people who you met, made friends with, and enjoyed each others company. It's the people who matter the most Murray, not old tools and cheap petrol. After several stints in the U.S. and now back in OZ I really miss the friendliness of your average Mr & Mrs America. JG/FME |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: gnu Date: 02 Mar 02 - 07:08 AM Well, for gosh sakes. What a pleasant surprise. Congratulations and blessings to both of you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: SINSULL Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:56 PM Congratulations to you both. Cuban coffeee seems a small price to pay for a chance at a new life and opportunity of a lifetime. Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: lady penelope Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:59 PM Welcome to the delights of life in the Grampions ! Don't worry about the feet and inches thing. Unless you go to B&Q or something most lumber yards are quite happy to work in imperial measurements. There are online tools and ironmongery sites over here ( although my ludite of a father won't sanction them, though he has discovered the joys of "Screwsdirect", real firm...honest, but that's only 'cos you phone them. It's taken him a while, but he's finally got the hang of the 'phone!) Quite a few telephone companies are doing unlimited access to the net for a set monthly fee, usually about £15. Can't do much about the weather ( but for short trips try the west coast around about Ayr....sandy beaches, very good for swimming and getting sunburnt....) The coffee...well...I apologise in advance. Let's put it this way.....why do you think very large numbers of brits drink tea? You can get cuban coffee, but you'll either have to make it yourself or pay through the nose at a starbucks or something. Other than that, enjoy yersel! I may come and visit ! : ) TTFN M'Lady P. P.S. Just don't turn anywhere through a red light, you're not supposed to! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Susanne (skw) Date: 02 Mar 02 - 05:51 PM Murray, congratulations and the best of luck to you and your wife! I'll look you up in Pitlochry some day! (I seem to remember the Edradour distillery is just round the corner ...) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 03 Mar 02 - 05:02 PM But remember, the pints are bigger back here. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 03 Mar 02 - 07:26 PM Incidentally, if Havana cigars are banned in the Strtaes, how come you can get Cuban coffee? Or does that mean something other than coffee made from beans imported from Cuba? Because there's no problem in getting that here. (Or Havana cigars.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Ferrara Date: 03 Mar 02 - 08:17 PM Murray, Bill came in and asked me, "Don't we know a joke about Pitlochry?" Well, I'm going to tell you the joke and it is PERFECT, but first I'm going to tell you how fondly I remember Pitlochry. BTW it's near Blair (home of the Stewarts of Blair, I believe.... I think their grandfather was the official piper for Blair Atholl castle at one time but on matters like these one can't trust my memory.) Anyway, in "The Yellow on the Broom" there's a line, "To the plantin' and the pearlin', and the berry fields of Blair." Here's why I love Pitlochry. In 1968 I was traveling with a friend, Sarah. We had rented a car and driven up to Skye, and stopped at Pitlochry on the way back (after we visited B.A. castle) because we had heard there would be a folk music program that night. Howsomever. Sarah said she had spent almost a week sleeping in a double bed with me and now that we were in a "sizeable" town, she was going to insist on twin beds because I toss and turn so much. Can't blame her... But we asked at several B&B houses and they were full or had no rooms with twin singles. Here's the thing: At every place that turned us down, they had a suggestion for the next place to try. They knew which of their neighbors offered a room with twin beds and were willing to help. Finally we knocked on a door and the landlady said, No, she didn't have a twin room, but "I'll tell you what. Leave your luggage here, in my foyer, and go through to the top of my yard. Climb over the fence there, and ask my back neighbor Mrs. MacLeod if her neighbor with the twin room still has it available." We had met any number of warm, wonderful, friendly people on our drive through Scotland but this was tops. We found Mrs. MacLeod. She called her neighbor. The neighbor rented us a room. And when we got back to her B&B after the folk music program, the neighbor had tea and cookies set out for us. It still makes me smile inside to remember this. Now for the joke. We heard it at the folk music program and it is SO appropriate.... Seems that Angus met Jock on the streets of Pitlochry. He said, "Why, Jock, I've never seen you in the big city before. What are you doing here?" Jock: "Why, Angus, Mary and I got married just three days ago. I'm here on my honeymoon." Angus: "Oh, that's great. And how does Mary like Pitlochry?" Jock: "Oh, Mary's not with me." Angus: "Not with ye? But why on earth not?" Jock: "Hoot, mon, Mary has SEEN Pitlochry." Enjoy your honeymoon in Pitlochry.... Rita F
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 03 Mar 02 - 09:02 PM Gargoyle's song - I don't think you're likely to hear it much. Not unless the Americans get a bit more serious about football (the sort they play in the World Cup). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Elf Date: 04 Mar 02 - 01:03 AM Having lived away from the US for the past 12 years, what I miss most is real log fires in the fireplace. These artificial London fireplaces just don't quite feel/smell/look the same. And foot-long hot dogs from the Sonic Drive-In in Georgetown, Texas. Better go now, getting real homesick over here.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: GUEST,Mikey joe Date: 04 Mar 02 - 09:57 AM Murray Greetings frae Dundee. Welcome back to Scotland. Telewest will give you 24/7 internet access wither over a phone line or broadband access, and you will get free local calls. They are quite reasonable (complared with BT etc anyway.) Slán Mikey joe |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: harpgirl Date: 04 Mar 02 - 09:59 AM ...gee Murray, are you still going to the Will McLean festival? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 04 Mar 02 - 11:27 AM And in the supermarket Tescos just now I saw they had Cuban ground coffee on the shelf. Cuban rum too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Mrrzy Date: 04 Mar 02 - 12:50 PM Hmmm - the one thing I remember missing when I was living overseas was a washing machine and dryer, especially dryer, IN my house/apartment. But had I been in your job, lucky you, I might not have missed them at all! How's marriage treating you, now that it's old hat? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Don Firth Date: 04 Mar 02 - 01:20 PM Congratulations and best wishes, Murray! 'Twould be interesting to see what your list looks like after you've been back for awhile. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Murray MacLeod Date: 04 Mar 02 - 01:37 PM Well, what a pleasant surprise to return home and see all the expressions of goodwill. Thank you all, I am going to send PMs to each of you to thank you. The wedding went off without a hitch. It was somewhat unconventional to say the least. We were married at 7.30 on the stage of the Main Street Cafe in Homestead, on the night of our Friday Open Mike, and the place was packed with all our friends here in South Florida. Lynn, the notary who married us, is a friend and a regular at the Open Mike. This was also her first wedding so she was thrilled. Yvonne came down the "aisle" to the sounds of the Wedding March played on electric guitar by our local guitar hero, Scott Emmons. If you remember how Hendrix played the "Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock, you can imagine how Scott played the Wedding March. It was wonderful. Afterwards, everybody sang for us, and we had the honor of hearing a song specially written and sung for us by Grant Livingston, one of Florida's best singer/songwriters. Our wedding cake was British style, fruit cake with hard icing (frosting). ( American wedding cakes for those who haven't tasted them are soft, with soft icing and have to be eaten with a fork ) I will send in a photo for the Photos page as soon as I have something digitized. Once again thanks for your good wishes, and I will contact everybody personally by PM. Murray
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Mikey joe Date: 05 Mar 02 - 12:33 PM jesys murray I just thought that you if you live in Pitlochry you'll be able to dine at the Moulin Inn. Assuming you're not vegetarian that is one good reason to move to Scotland alone. Good beers too and right at the foot of Ben Vrackie to work it off when you're finished.
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Irish sergeant Date: 05 Mar 02 - 04:05 PM Who ever mentioned the Sonic drivein. They have the best damned cherry limeader in the world I s#@t thee not!, Neil |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Murray MacLeod Date: 06 Mar 02 - 02:29 AM Thought I would just clarify the Cuban coffee thing for Kevin's benefit and also for other kind people who have volunteered to take it across. What I was referring to is the Cuban "colada", a very thick, strong, sweet coffee, which is sold in Cuban cafeterias in South Florida, in a polystyrene cup, along with half a dozen little thimble-sized cups to share it out among your friends. It is always taken black btw, and it is simply delicious. In a working day I would normally share a colada four or five times. An apt comparison, I think, is that it is to instant or ordinary percolated coffee as Drambuie is to shandy. I have been told that it is possible to buy the machine to make the stuff in your home, but I am skeptical. I have tasted one home-made colada and it almost made me vomit. There is some mystique in its preparation which laymen are not privy to .... Murray
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Grab Date: 06 Mar 02 - 08:46 AM Murray, some things to look forward to:- 1) Roads with bends. 2) Cars which corner and are fun to drive. 3) Cars with manual transmissions. 4) Beer. The proper kind. 5) Wine at a reasonable price. 6) A general lack of alligators outside of zoos. 7) Bread (and other food) without tons of sugar in it. 8) Cheese that tastes of something. 9) Proper chocolate. 10) Being able to complain about the weather! :-) Good luck! Graham. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 07 Mar 02 - 12:09 AM Add proper football to Grabs list, not that american rubbish were they all dress up as spacemen! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Grab Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:00 AM Oh yes:- 11) Sport with more than 10 seconds of continuous play. Graham. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: Devilmaster Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:44 AM Congrats Murray! Later tonight when I have a pint I'll raise it to you and the bride to be, mate. Reading your original msg, I thought of a fitting song, 'Suzanne De Lafayette' by Stompin' Tom Connors. Once again congrats! Steve |
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: MMario Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:54 AM cuban coffee is incredible! I had a cuban friend in college who occasionally would make it - usually during an exam week.
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Subject: RE: BS: Things I shall miss about the USA From: GUEST,Hamshank Date: 07 Mar 02 - 09:59 AM Murray,
I'd kill to be in your shoes. I'm so keen to be in Scotland I can close my eyes and taste the beer, the Arbroath smokies, and the butter rolls. Of course, those aren't the only things I love about Caledonia. Congrats on your opportunity. HS |