Finally, finally our power is back on. We had a severe ice storm a couple of days before Christmas and some people are still without heat and power. Lines down everywhere and fallen branches closed many roads. According to the news today the same storm hit south England with lots of flooding. It started in Texas and moved northward. I appreciate heat and light more now after freezing over Christmas. certainly A Christmas to remember. Good to get my internet and phone back again. Now I'll stop crying on your shoulders and wish you, Joe, Nell and everyone a very happy, peaceful New Year.

The same to you Rusty , glad things have got back to normal for you
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and may all your hopes and dreams come true.

sorry for you Rusty, especially for your wife and family. There's lots to do before Christmas and we only appreciate the utilities we have until we DON'T have them. Happy New Year.

I don`t know which is worse Rusty, just before Christmas here in OZ we had 111f (43.4) I nearly F....ing melted.

Crankles,
I don't mean to be offensive, but where is Oz? You know! in the summer we sometimes hit 100. that's hot with humidity to make it worse. I'll take the Belfast weather anytime. I guess we'll never be happy no matter what prevails. We are nice and warm now and I took my family to a belated Christmas dinner today. (one we all missed on Christmas day). Anyway, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy peaceful New Year and cooler ones ahead.

I heard of the terrible storm you had. I can't imagine the devastating affect it has had on all the people. Certainly a different Christmas to what they are use to. I agree with you, give me the mild rainy winters any day with a bit of gusty wind to add a bit of interest.

I wish all the readers health, good fortune, and peace for 2014. Happy New Year to all wherever you live.

Hi Nell,
Yes, it was a bomber. With the added snowfall after it all some more power has gone off, but we are o.k. Some poor people, although only in the hundreds as opposed to several 100 thousand are still without power since before Christmas. Apparently there is very bad weather over there too. What has all the global warmers got to say now?? Bunch of nonsense if you ask me. Just another way to make money off "green products." they should ship Al Gore and his cronies up here to live for a while. That'll cool his britches alright. Well I hope you had a nice Xmas and all goes well for you in the new year. Have to make a real effort to get over to Belfast this year. take care and I hope all is going well for you.