Hi All!

This is the first time I've been on the computer since October.  I
haven't been trying to ignore anyone, I've either been in a hospital or
simply not up to the task.

I have yet to read all the list posts from then to now and I'm
embarrassed by the amount of traffic.  If I had my druthers, nothing
would have been said to the list until it was all over but the shouting.

I want to thank everyone for their good wishes and a special thanks for
the tulips.  They arrived in perfect condition ... not a blemish on any
of them.  I'm "beholding" to you guys!!

I have a lot of personal mail to write, both snail and electronic, but I
won't get started until later tonight or tomorrow as I'm soon getting
ready to go for dialysis.  Meanwhile, just remember that all of you hold
a special place in my heart. I can't wait 'til I can go camping with you
again ... well, as many of you as possible anyway.

I have to use oxygen 24/7 and my kidneys haven't worked since October
20th.  I'm not sure if the lungs will get any better but it's looking
like the kidney function will never return.  The way I see it, it won't
keep me from traveling.  It'll just mean that I'll do things a little
differently and give me opportunities for meeting people that I wouldn't
have otherwise met.

Mike
Glade Spring, VA (winter)
Houlton, ME (summer)