Hi all,

I never got a chance to check in or post during my trip. I ended up leaving
Thursday the 18th and coming back this past Wednesday. I was sick almost the
whole time I was gone, and am still not well. In fact yesterday I was too
sick to even be on the computer for more than a few minutes.

I did not get to meet the friend I was hoping to see. He was also sick -
much worse than I was! He was down flat in bed for over a week. He wanted me
to stay longer but I was so sick myself that I just wanted to get home.

Later on I might make a full report of the trip, which was fun and not
entirely a waste of time. I met some interesting folks.

The cats are all fine, were thrilled to see me and sticking like velcro. The
only mishaps were (1) We were keeping the bathroom door shut to save on
heat, and Eli somehow got into the bathroom and couldn't figure out how to
get back out. He was in there for not more than 24 hours; (b) Abelard got a
wound on his foot, of unknown origin, which is now nearly healed but must
have been nasty-looking when fresh. Glad I didn't see it then! (c) Billy and
Lily are a mass of matted fur which will have to be cut off, but I expected
that.

More to follow when I feel better....

Pat