Hey there, folks. Back again...and all in one piece (more or less ). As always, I'm sorry for all the worry and the long absence. It always amazes me just how concerned people do get about someone they've never actually met in person. Especially after a year's worth of putting up with the twists and turns of what's ended up being a very long, and ugly situation. But that's what friendship's about in the end, and what makes our community here so fantastic. People care about each other, look out for each other, and relationships here mean something. We're a part of each others' lives, despite distance and time. I'm just grateful to be a beneficiary of that, and of all the support and good wishes. Not sure I can really express (or have ever been able to) just how much that means, and how much of a difference it makes in keeping going during times like those just past. It's all too easy to lose hope and give up on yourself...but a hell of a lot harder when you've got people who won't give up on you. Or let you give up on yourself. Always makes a difference to have something to fight for too...and you folks are definitely worth fighting for. No surrender, no retreat. ^_~

As I said, I'm home and doing okay. Still tired and sore, and have some recovering to do yet. But, it's onward and upward from here. Looks like this is the end of the madness of the last year-plus, and though it's going to be a while before we know just how much better things are - reasons for worry are past. Still have the heart condition, but things seem to be stable for the time being. Can't say I'm going to be here right off the bat all the time...but that's still the goal. Recovery will take some time, and the family (as well as some VERY insistent advice/commands from friends hereabouts) have made it clear that they're going to make sure I behave myself this time around and take no chances. Can't say that's easy to take, or that I'm completely happy about it. But, for their sake and your sake I'm not going to run the risk of putting folks through this again. But I'll be here as much as I can, and more and more in the days ahead, I'm sure. Just bear with me, and forgive my weaknesses when they rear their ugly heads. Still no place I'd rather be these days than here. ^^ None of this is to say I won't be here in the immediate future, either...just want to keep the bases covered and make sure people are kept in the loop on where things stand.

Missed you folks more than I can say, and am very, very, very glad to be back. Part of coming home is coming back to DA, and to all of you. One of the best parts. Thank you once again (though words don't seem quite enough for the job) for all your support and care, and all the prayers and well-wishing. For extending that to my family too. Will make sure my brother knows how much his efforts were appreciated by those here who thanked him. He has my thanks too, of course. He's a trooper-and-a-half.

So, hello again my friends, and here's to getting back to the ride that never ends. Hope you've all been great, and that life's been treating you well. If there's any justice in the world, it has. Keep an eye out for Notes, e-mails, and/or Comments from me...and know that I can't wait to see what you've all been up to. Art-wise, and otherwise. Can't wait to get talking with ya again, and get caught back up. For now, take care, be good, and talk to you again real soon. ^_^