The Net Guerrilla Returns!

In case anyone has been wondering, (and even if you haven't *g*), what had become of me and the projects Gordon and I have been discussing here, I thought I would post a brief update.

As Gordon mentioned, he and I were scheduled to meet on and plan the schedules. We planned to meet on Jan 6th.

As some of you also know, my father-in-law had been quite sick since last October. We went to visit him at New Years. He was not doing well and we saw him decline in just the five days we were there. To make a long story short, we returned home on New Years Day. We received a call on Thursday of that week that he was not expected to live another 24 hours. We made the 8 1/2 hour drive that night, (departing at 8:30 pm). He passed away the following afternoon. The good news is that he died the way he wanted to; at home with his loved ones around him. No tubes, no IVs, no machines, (except the oxygen compressor or whatever it was). He died the way he lived; with dignity and honor. He was a true giant to me and I was quite sad to see him go. However, I also know that he needed to go because we did not want him to stay in a pain racked body that was riddled with cancer. I know that he is in a better place.

Once he passed, there were the inevitable final affairs to deal with. And unfortunately there were issues with all of that. We wound up staying longer than we had planned. We departed NC on Sat. the 13th and planned to arrive that evening.

Apparently, my van had other ideas. *g* Our oil pressure went to zero and apparently we threw a rod. Ever been to Parkersburg, WV? I'm sure it's a lovely town if you have transportation! But since we didn't and there was nothing open, we were stuck there for the weekend. (Actually, we rested up some while we were there.) We *finally* got out of town in a rent-a-car on Monday the 15th and arrived home about 3 pm. And ever since then, we've been digging out from under this incredible mountain of things that have had to sit for the last month.

Oh. Did I mention that Network Solutions managed to cancel my domain in the middle of all this? So... if you've tried to send me an e-mail in the last several days, hang on for a bit while I get it straightened out.

And the van? Well, it's fixed. The good folks at Astorg Ford in Parkersburg managed to find an engine with only 46,000 miles on it. It comes with a 2 year warranty to boot. (Well, I had to pay a bit more for that.) I'm headed back to Parkersburg on Saturday to get my van and return the rent-a-car. (Gordon, I'll wave as I pass through your part of the country. *g*)

As Gordon said, life happens.

Oh yeah. It's good to be back. You'll be hearing from Gordon and I shortly. If you sent us input for the "Then and Now" project, I think I have what everyone sent. If not, I'll let you know.

Rick Smith, "The Net Guerrilla"