Yes, I'm fine thanks and I hope life's treating you and yours kindly.

I didn't know about the Guitar Festival. Is it a week-long affair or just the weekend? Do you  by chance have a web address or contact details for the Organizers? Liverpool Airport is only 20 miles away from me and (at present) the flights are pretty cheap (my brother-in-law flies over about once a month).

I know what you mean about the Lowden affliction, but I've always set myself goals I'll never have a hope in hell of acheiving; it's my ' Pessimistic Optimism Theory' and it's never failed me yet! 

Take care.

NylonStrings, thanks for the response to my immature attempt at wit, you have a few drops of the Black Stuff and you go stupid... I don't know what it is!

Now, I have to say what a lucky fella you are, living down the road from Lowden. The place is held in reverence in our household and a glazed look in the eye appears when the name is spoken!

I tried to find the place once when we were on holiday. From the early eighties we used to take our holidays on the Ards peninsular and Antrim while, at the same time, visiting the wife's family in Belfast. My own family are originally from Roscommon. Anyway one year I set out, with only vague information, to find the place... without success! But what a drive, absolutely beautiful countryside. Almost bought a cottage in Portaferry one year, overlooking the lough (and I mean right on the shore) but couldn't get a mortgage on the place due to no mains electricity and, if memory serves, between £5000 to £8000 to install it. Mmmm! It was a happy four months we spent in Belfast with the family though. 

Anyway, thanks once again and it's nice to make your (virtual) aquaintance.

B.