No, I haven't done Zoom.  Well, that's not entirely true; the other day Alan was doing his first one with a friend of ours and I popped in for a moment over his shoulder.  Trust me when I say that was more than enough for me.  I don't like to have my picture taken, for heaven's sake, so why would I want to see myself while I'm talking to someone else?  I've spent many terrified years imagining video phone calls ... please don't ask me to be camera ready at your disposal.

Who's still around these parts?  I see Flavius, AA, jollyroger and rmrd as "readers" and, naturally, a few of the headline gang.  Since I'm not here on a regular basis I'm sure I'm missing some ... but who?  I'd truly be saddened to think this wonderful place has become a virtual water cooler.

Even so, just being here makes me smile.

Hi there, come on in.  No, I’m okay, but thanks for asking  … how are you?  Oh, good, I’m so glad to hear it.  She’s better?  Wonderful news, really, and thank you so much for letting us know.  What?  No … not now, maybe later … who’s that behind you?  Hi!  You’ve made my night just by showing up.  I’m sorry, I know.  I’m just distracted for the moment … you, too?  Seriously?  What’s going on?  Grab a seat on the floor with a pillow handy and wait for me, I’ll be right back.  Your place is beside me tonight, and mine is to sit and not move ‘til you breathe.

She's going to beat up my home of 53 years.  I can't fight back.  My body isn't there but my heart is, and emotions are everywhere.  It's almost surreal to remember being a part of it, in the midst of it - the fear, the unknown, the almost palpable relief when it finally started because even if you couldn't do more than experience it at least you knew.  While it lasted, you were a part of it.  Every rain drop, every gust.  I can't do that from here and it's crushing me.  I was just there less than three years ago ...