Hello, well here is something new. I didn't know these were being issued, and I read the stamp news  

The blurb from the Royal Mail says "your favourite Smilers designs are back" .. "and due to the popular demand we're bringing the top six (Smilers) back"....     who is asking I wonder. I thought we were all getting rather financially challenged with all the new issues the Royal Mail releases.

I found these in my PO Box today. Didn't even know I ordered them.  Still wont complain.  Now for the real challenge though. How do I get used copies     to keep my collection complete I'm sending a plea to anyone who has some used copies - would you trade for something    FDCs, used Australia, other GB maybe, world mix. As usual I will be generous in my trade. Hope to hear from someone .. email me at cddstamps@gmail.com

Also in my mail box were letters from some of you. Thanks for the stamps. Much appreciated and I will be sending many on to some children who have written in the past week.

Hope everyone has a good weekend and gets time to enjoy their stamps.  Best wishes......... Michael

Hello, I was sorting through some stamps tonight and came across these. I seem to recall writing about this bird before. Had no time to check back but as they are so beautiful I thought I would show this set tonight. If you collect these as a thematic they may be of interest and I'd be pleased to send them to you........ if you can tell me which is the odd one out. Somewhat devious question... hey well it is Friday night here      ok.. so which bird is the odd one out. Well even if they are all from the same family, let me give you a clue, and say they are all called something kingfisher except one of them...  which one

And if you would like a FDC with birds on, as well, just tell me the names of each kingfisher.

So much to enjoy with stamps isn't there.   I told you I was elected as a Director at the IPDA (Internet Philatelic Dealers Association) a week or so ago. Well I am really enjoying being part of that organisation. There is so much they have to offer to peoeple that want to sell stamps. If you do sell please have a look at their web site   http://www.ipdaonline.org/index.html  and think of joining. We all want to enjoy the hobby and the people in it, and for those of us who are now using the internet to sell and trade we want it to be a place where we can sell and trade with each other with integrity.

My daugther had a friend over tonight and I realised how easily young people, or anyone for that matter uses the internet. And how important it is for those of us who trade or sell on the internet to establish and maintain a high standard and honesty. Being part of an organisation that encourages such values is one step  to showing others that we too hold those values.  

It is Friday night so dont want to bore you with too much serious stuff....  so will close by saying ....enjoy your stamps.. Nelson and Dancer are two top names for my new horse.. if he works out ok... at the jumping. which starts tomorrow.. hey watch this space for stamp news and news of my "maybe" new horse.

Have a great weekend..  Best wishes.. Michael