Hello there,

Rick Klopp is good enough to send this to all of you and so let me tell you that I was very pleased to hear that you are all still alive, around and well (and well off I hope!).

From "Old Man Snappy" there is not much to tell.

I'm enjoying my retirement and, though turning 70 next year, everything is still hunky dory.

I'm up and around the mountains more than ever, do a lot of reading and have a good time with my old (and young) friends (who prefer good food and good wine usually to a good hike). But there is a group of youngsters who keep me good company with my hikes and glacier tours and so everything is in good balance.

Evelyne, my older daughter, lives in Cape Town during winter and works as a stylist with a German company who makes TV commercials and fashion ads. In her spare time she does some golfing and surfing and has a good time down there (instead of being in Vienna with a cold and a running nose).

Christina, the younger one, is married to a surgeon who works in a Vienna hospital and they have a small daughter, Theresa (3-1/2 years old).

Carolyn, I read your account about all the "good things" in the US. If there is anything I can get you (coffee, tea) let me know and I shall see what I can do. (I cannot help with TV programs and health insurance though!)

So now, looking forward to receive your latest news I meanwhile kiss all the ladies and say "Servus" to all the gentlemen! Take good care of yourself until we meet again!

Snappy