We here in Canada are looking forward to welcoming back that type of American leadership - assuming we survive this one.  There are plenty of Americans who share this view, just not enough of them at the recent election... In the meantime, it seems worse than our wildest imaginings.  Hopefully their incompetence offsets some of the meanness.  Tim

Thing is though that I'm not deaf. Obviously can no longer hear bats but had lost that by the time I was 20 or so as is normal. But can hear the other stuff. Watching SAS rogue heroes the other evening, remote in hand so I can get the mumbled dialogue and not get deafened when they start blowing things up

Hello, I am still around. will be back soon I hope. Regards, Michael.

Just acquired a pair of hearing aids!   A test revealed what I had known for years 'high tone deafness'.   The aids are tuned to my spectrum and reveal just what I'm missing!   Birdsong, the click of paper sheets and better  tv/radio sound.  And in a group of chatting people, I can actually follow conversation! Good old NHS! John  

You!... Boy!... at the back!.... SPEAK UP!

Eh, pardon? 

What?

It's because you're getting old and deaf.  I SAID YOU'RE GETTING DEAF!!!!!

Yeah, yeah. On top of 11….. following a 5 hour drive. Though we did have a nice feed in the pub in Guildford in between the drive and the first flight. It is true that I’m not built for economy class travel.  Especially when I’ve tweaked my back the day before. Though this did entitle me to heavier duty meds than I’m normally allowed, so I did actually sleep for a decent chunk of the first leg. Ever so stiff and sore on waking though. Now back in Blighted and on the bus back to the Wild West. Real life beckons. Bleurrrggh!

So not just me...