Right! Straight to the point(s):

1) Am I alone in recently having the greatest trouble getting into the "X Marks...." site? For two days, regardless of the hour, I have been 'timed-out' (I think that's what you call it) when logging on to this site - and it IS only this site; all others that I have tried have come up almost immediately.

Someone here, who understands computers even less than I do (apparently it is possible!), suggests that it is because of the large numbers of other people who are already logged on, or are trying to log on - it is a popular site now. Could this be the case? If so, what is the answer? Miraculously, I have just managed to establish contact but, with in the region of 500 new posts and the lateness of the hour, I am giving up again and going off to bed.

2) Has anyone heard anything of David (Freelander) recently? Does anyone know if he is away from home? Over the past week, I have sent him two brief E-mails to two different addresses but have received no acknowledgement. He is usually very prompt with his responses. I would 'phone him, but I have lost his number, and his postal address.

Sorry to be a bore, but I am beginning to lose heart!!