Wow – my 80th birthday! Everyone plays it down – says it’s just a number. Yes it’s a number, but seems a pretty big one to me. And if it’s not so significant, how come I’ve just had more birthday cards and presents than any birthday I can remember? And if it’s not so significant,…

It’s a good start to the holiday – the attendant at the immigration queue welcomes us to Nashville with a smile and a chat, and the immigration officer is unusually friendly and considerate. This arrival in the US is the best it’s ever been. We don’t have to queue for a taxi and we have…