Having perforce been absent myself (owing to the exigencies and concerns of the Real World) for a week or more, I returned to review the news of this particular corner of the universe. As I did so, it occurred to me that there are many NEW contributors ( to whom I will, following the lead of others, add my personal, somewhat belated welcome.) It further occurred to me that there are many "old friends" from whom we have not heard in some time. I will not arrogate to self the right - or the duty! - of toasting all of such persons, but will initiate a "thread" ( my command of the idioms of this Forum is lamentable) to prompt any who may wish to do so to add to my list of such honored absentees. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF AWAD, PLEASE STAND AT YOUR KEYBOARDS, RAISE YOUR VIRTUAL CYBER-GLASSES (or should it be "cyber virtual-glasses?) TO TOAST TWO "ABSENT FRIENDS", "FATHER STEVE" AND "SHANKS". WE MISS YOUR WIT AND WISDOM, WE HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU IN THE COURSE OF TIME! (Add appropriate expressions of choice wishing good health, etc. to the honorees.)
Poster's note: 1) As I recall, our friend Shanks had advised that he was going to be incommunicado for a while. Any further news?
2) As for Father Steve, the last I heard was that he was planning "to have his nuptials vowed" (acting pro se, ex officio?) Of course, the HONEYMOON is never REALLY over, but the usual progression ( not one, I should have thought, for Father Steve) is a segue to a time of "Honey-do this" and "Honey-do that".
Gentlemen, we miss you.