I just got back from a great little trip. The flights were pretty uneventful, and I even survived the security unpleasantness.

Spent some good time with Dad. Shared some of the (premium!) scotch I brought him, and gleaned some fatherly wisdom from some of the tales he told me. There is still much more to do while he is still "vertical," but this was good dose.

Managed to get off for a few hours to see a friend who is surviving with an inoperable brain tumor. He is doing better than some people who are totally healthy (at least physically). He is amazing, and an inspiration. On doctor's orders he has had to stop smoking and drinking. Curiously enough, he had not too long ago bought a REALLY expensive pipe, and also had the good fortune to be given a nice bottle of single malt 10-year whisky. He gave them both to me! I smoked the pipe on the ride home from the airport, and sipped the whisky after I unpacked.

I am back online, checking my email and checking in with my friends on Mudcat, and things are looking pretty good at the moment. Perhaps I won't tune in to the news for a while...