I'm finally back at my own place and at my computer (thank you Linda Mattson for your generous offer, though). I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the good wishes, healing thoughts and prayers, and good hunor of you all.....well, maybe I can;-). First, a tremendous thanks to Elmer Fudd. To take such time away from chasing wascally wabbits is a feat all of itself. You're the greatest. We talk often, so 'ol Elmer knows how much I appreciate everything, but I would be amiss not to say it here as well.

I'll be resting up this week, keeping my leg elevated when sitting or lying down, and then it's back to work on January 16, easing into things with a light duty schedule (staffing the visitor center front desk, catching up on paperwork and govt email, etc.) Yesterday morning I took the last dose of antibiotic. There's still a little warmth on the leg, but a call to the doctor today reassured me that it should go away in a few days. I just keep monitoring myseld, looking out for any signs of fever, chills, gastro-stuff, etc.

This Mudcat community of ours really comes together in times of need. I'm really moved by all this! What's interesting, too, is how much you learn about otherrs experiences with infections, hospitals and self-care. A thank you, too, to Radriano, Jerry Rasmussn, Catspaw, and Katlaughing for your phone calls Good to connect Jerry, Kat, and 'Spaw's voices with the mudcat monikers.

My Secret Santa sent a hilarious book, "The Little Book of Pervs: Sexual Weirdness From The World's News." Nothing cheers me up more than reports of a man having sex with a traffic cone, another guy leaving his wife for the pet dog, and yet another guy taking his blow-up sex doll home to meet his parents.

Thank you, JennyO, last year's Santa and this year's Santee, for your friendship, and to Jack Halyard for that brilliant parody of Away, Santiano. Well, too many people to thank here, so
I'll be sending PM's to all of you over the next few days. You all deserve a proper thank you from an improper chanteyman. All my best to you for this new year!

Chanteyranger