Nope.  I think our respective versions would have drifted even further/farther apart and we wouldn't even be as closely linked as, say, Spanish and Portugese.

i reckon you're right.  To be honest,  i was thinking more along the lines of Australian and Californian Surfer,  instead of Spanish and Portugese.
English is a magpie language, which is probably why there are so many, valid, variations around the world.

It's been my experience though that only the good folks of Staffs speak true english.  lol (long story)
*BTW, great to read you, Pat.  Haven't seen you here for ages.  Hope you're well. *

All's good.  Just waitin on a friend and my cousin to get back in the saddle.  How are you and you're family gettin along?