The end of another year is fast approaching!

[exxos]

What a rollercoaster ride this year has been, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Amidst the challenges, the holiday season weighs heavy on some hearts, reminding us of cherished ones no longer by our side. The strains of the past months may have taken a toll, causing a touch of madness in us, but in the face of stress and anxiety, it seems we've all become catalysts for resilience, inadvertently fostering strength amid the ups and downs. My apologies for any role I might have played in that process!

Let's navigate through the waves with composure and celebrate the indomitable spirit within. The camaraderie and growth witnessed in this community have been nothing short of inspiring. As we approach the threshold of 2024, I invite each one of you to share your reflections on this extraordinary journey. Whether it's a tale of familial bonds or computer-related adventures, your thoughts are the threads weaving the fabric of our collective experience.

In the quiet space below, feel free to let your words dance – recount the joys, lessons, or even the challenges. Here's to fostering a virtual fireplace of shared stories as we toast to the conclusion of this intense year.

A profound thank you to each one of you for contributing to this incredible journey.

Tonight, I raise a glass, not just to the conclusion of this intense year, but to the promise of brighter tomorrows. Here's to the unwavering hope that the new year will usher in better days for all.

[stephen_usher]

For me 2023 has been defined by two things, the death of my Dad and the building of my outbuilding.

The former happened just after Easter and I'm still dealing with the aftermath as probate has been awarded now so I'm having to go down to Cornwall to clear the house (and repair the toilet). This weekend I'll be going down with a van to pick up the large items I can't fit in the car, many of which will be reused in my outbuilding...

The outbuilding project started almost three years ago now. The first six months wasted by employing the not quite an architect to design the building and failing to get it through the planning department. It then took a year before I got to the point of getting the planning OK and all the prerequisites before work started in January. It wasn't until July that it was finally ready to use. Since then it's been more expense fitting it out with the model railway beginnings and the workshop area. When the desk/bench from Cornwall arrives (and I've fitted the 19" rack to the wall) all the major parts will be complete, giving me space to install the new 3D printer and set up my ex-gaming PC to be used for 3D design.

Because of this upheaval I've not really had time to have any new retro projects until the last couple of weeks' work on the ICL OPD floppy interface recreation.