A quick thanks for a Christmas gift....

Before I do any other writing this year I just want to publicly say a word of thanks to one of my relations and a great long time friend.

My sister-in-law gave me a most unexpected and treasured gift this Christmas. When I unwrapped it I wasn't sure at first what exactly it would be. I was looking at a beautifully bound A4 sized hardback book and inside was about 40 stiff pages in nice beige background and all the writing was in a lovely font. In the slight wine induced haze following the St. Stephens Day extended family dinner - something looked familiar about the writing. When I looked inside the opening cover at the title the wonderful truth dawned. My sister-in-law had produced a book containing all my "Earth and Universe" blog articles of 2005. What a cool present.

I must say that I felt both humble and honoured to receive such a gift. My sister-in-law had been commenting on my articles at family gatherings over recent months. I've always respected her opinion. She holds a PhD and is exceptionally well read on a plethora of books and topics.

Thank you my dear, I know there was a lot of work in putting it together, it was a brilliant present!