Hello Doc, also been missing over the past couple of weeks, just got snowed under and couldn't cope at all, really wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers up but sadly not an option! Managed to dodge the raindrops and got the final 40 acres in which lifted the pressure and grumpiness no end. Reached the most marked of all milestone yesterday and was greeted by an innundation of greetings (3 of which were 5 years too young!) which brought an unexpected tear to the aged eye + plus a bottle of Hendrick's which is enough to bring anybody out of the 'Slough of Despond'.
Have got on very well with the grid and think I have 'clocked' the theme but am rather unhappy with the wordplay on a number of entries, seem to have got there by lateral ratjher that appraised logic from the clues....will plod on!