Daily I think about how rarely I post here and how much I miss it. I’m collecting the GoogleAds revenue, paying the rent (which exceeds the revenue, but I begrudge this not at all), acting as a 2nd string moderator, and participating in some metadecisions behind the scenes.
And before I go further, I want to express my thanks to the moderators and other senior members who are picking up the slack, and then some. Of late, MTGuru and Nanohedron, in particular, have been the backbone of the joint and I’m so very grateful.
I’ve received a number of messages from my friends here about my whereabouts. My professional life is busier than ever and I’m older and pretty tired at night. Some of you know I had a very serious pneumonia in April, and only in the last month, when I fully recovered, have I realized how nasty that was and how long the residual of the illness persisted. My mother’s illness has meant that I am out of town much more often. Happily, although she is going to require 24 hour care, most likely, for the rest of her life, she is reasonably comfortable and getting excellent care.
I’ve also been over-committed in other regards, volunteer activity and such. (I promise to shut up in a minute.)
My wife and daughters are well. And Sarah, our oldest, is expecting a child in January. Our first grandchild!
At the risk of alienating a few, my interest in trad music has declined in recent years. I play a little, but very little. There have been a few long “chapters” in the music appreciation part of my life. I’m just in another chapter. I’m promiscuous–and undoubtedly shallow–in my relationships with musical genres. Genre. Genri?
Many of you know I’ve been working on my internet literary stuff and that’s been both gratifying and time-consuming. The teen driver safety work has ramped up rapidly. If one Googles “parent-teen driving contract” my website is #1. #2 is Allstate insurance! My public speaking calendar is busier than ever and getting busier.
Another factor is that my own interest in the board as a posting member (as opposed to an owner/operator) has frankly declined because of my own decision to finally shut down the PROCT board and the religious discussion board. Particularly the former. I had unrealistic expectations for that, I know.
I’ll be here lurking and I’ll post from time to time. But, rather than just fade away without a word, I want to say that my life has been enriched by Chiff & Fipple in general and this board in particular. I’ve e-met many people who I admire and love and I will regard as friends for the rest of my life. I thank you all for your endless support and friendship.
Until next time…
Dale
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