blimey, slightly overwhelmed by the response from you all. thanks for all your kind words and thoughts.
i think i must still be tired, as badgerwatcher's mention of a tear in the eye brought one to mine as well.
nightshade, lovely sentiment, thanks for that.
and as for you, monkster, how mischeivous to suggest that i would choose a name to avoid having to give anyone else a prize!
when clearly, it is me that already has the first prize in this.
haven't had time to get more pics sorted, but will in the next couple of days. maybe even one of me, but me and the lens had a falling out a long time ago, and it hasn't done me any favours for years. see what i can do with photoshop.
cheers for now
sven