Sorry for the huge wait for a new post

I decided to switch operating systems on my laptop. We have ditched XP in favour of Ubuntu. It is great but I have made a few mistakes that have caused a number of major headaches.... And my digital camera and printer don't appreciate it....
Anyway, we are both doing fine. The weather has become much colder recently. It is good preparation for our next planned trip さっぽろ雪まつり.
Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is a famous snow festival. Large ice/snow sculptures are made in the town and over two million people visit during the week. We are heading North to the island of Hokkaido in early February and we will enjoy all of the wonders of a city known around the world for beer :) I doubt I will be able to find a pint of Old Hooky but I will try my best to cope.