thank you Jerry. Jerry and i have been through some similar stuff in our lives.

as well as Jerry, i have some close friends in the Cat - and only one of them is someone i see regularly in the "other" world. I also have a good friend who is a catter, but we only communicate via talk, not type. as usual there are some women i am close to, and we talk in exactly the same way women do everywhere. and i have a close male cyber buddy - i value his honesty and humour, tho i cant seem to discipline him much (nurse ratched - where are you when i need you?). and a few other mates, people i can talk to as if we were just sitting round the living room.

i am leaving my home on the weekend and going to work in another city. mudcat will provide some continuity as i have to start all over again, once more.

yes, thank you guys.