Thanks - to all of you who understood quite clearly that my "contract" statement was a joke - for speaking up im my absence. And to everyone who added humor to this thread, which is much appreciated.
Cheyenne, I hope you understand how very incorrect you are now. I hope this will be the end of it. But either way, at least I feel I've had a chance to set the record straight, so thanks for participating.
Sam, no, I didn't mean to insult you. I've apologized three times now. If it will help, I'll apologise a fourth. I *am* sorry if I offended you. That wasn't my intention.
lav, I got the humor in your statement. Hell, *I* thought it was funny
Siren, I experience ex-pat patriotism syndrome as well. It's an interesting thing, I think you described it exactly. CB, there are *loads* of Americans here, so I don't feel the need to flag-wave at Lit. But you can be damn sure I flag wave here in the UK!
OK, everybody, I'm off for my "birthday away trip" with Mr. Bri, and I hope you all have as much happiness over the next few days as I will have. All of you