BSeed: Yes, I have been out of it for a while. Joe had his first stroke last month. The successive ones nearly killed him. In the end, this last one left him in a coma. There is no hope.

Katlaughing, et al who asked: I dropped out last summer when my best friend, David, was diagnosed with liver cancer, and went through the long, slow decline and death. I was there for him, like I will be for Joe.

Everyone else: Thanks for your prayers, guys. I will check in when I can to update you.

I guess the recording never will happen...

Mikal, (in sad need of whiskey and friends)