As we here in the antipodes swelter in 33°C early summer temparatures with
the accompanying 95% humidity, my thoughts go out to all you Northern
hemispericans, freezing your collective butts.

I shall spare a thought as I lay basking on the sands like a beached whale,
enjoying the cooling waters of the South Pacific; partaking of an array of
fresh shellfish (oysters, scallops, assorted clams); fish not 5 minutes from
the ocean; cold meats; garden fresh salads and freshly harvested baby
potatoes - all washed down (as appropriate) with either a crisp 2005
Marlborough Sauvignon; Central Otago Pinot Noir - or Champagne (I have a
few bottles of Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle 'La Cuvée' - and a single
bottle of LP Grand Siècle 1990 Lumière du Millénaire for New Years Eve).

To each and all regardless of your location, nationality or spiritual
persuasions I wish you the very best for the festive season and a very
prosperous, happy and healthy 2006.

--

Alexander Andrew St.Helier-Bourke
(a.k.a. Lord St.Helier)