I've been missing DU

This is my first post on DU in over a month. I am making it from my local public library which only allows a person one hour of Net use per day. My friends here who may be wondering where I've been may better ask, "Where is Longship and what is he doing in that handbasket?"

First, my office caught fire on December 26th. Total loss, over $25K worth of computers, books, opera CDs either went up in flames or were heat/smoke damaged. Second, for a variety of reasons--all good--Ms. Longship and I have decided to separate for a period of time. At least it's going to be an amicable split. Third, I am in the process of relocating to western Michigan. I have a place there, adjacent to the national forest, where I will be moving, probably before the end of February. The final blow happened last week when my Godfather, my father's brother, passed away at 97 years old. Yes, he had a long life, and ended his time on earth quietly and peacefully, however that doesn't soften the blow that such a nice man couldn't live forever.

To DUers in the Big Rapids, MI area I'd like to get together with some DUers after I get settled. I'd like to do something like form a periodic get-together to talk politics, organize action, etc.

Springtime in Michigan is beautiful. I can't wait to get there.

I'll probably be checking in here as often as I can until I leave. My cat, Rosina, and I will be probably taking the southern route, then through Oklahoma City, to Wichita (where I have many friends), KC, then cross MO and up through IL/IN to western MI. Maybe I can connect with some DUers along the route. I would like that.

Please take care. :hug:

Sorry to hear this.
I hope things bounce back in your life quickly.

All told, this is going to be a good thing. A new chapter in my life is about to begin. That can't be a bad thing. I am anxious for things here to come to some closure so that I can venture forth.

Ms. Longship and I have become the best of friends. Sometimes horrible events can precipitate a beautiful outcome. It's my sincere hope that this is the case here. From all appearances, that is the case.

another thing I somehow managed not to do for the insurance company.
It is very difficult to explain my problems.

and I am dependening on my friends to help sort it out.
I had a stroke and two heart attacks on the same day 5 years ago
and though I have tried, I can't seem to get my self back together.

It is not an unlivable life, but I have just today finally admitted to myself
that I cannot fully manage my own affairs. I am insanely fortunate to have a partner
who is willing to take the checkbook and the reins. We have been together through 10 tough years.
She is several years my junior. We crashed into each other, and got our lives back on the road before.
I think it will work out somehow this time.

I feel ashamed, but also lighter. I gave it my best.
Genius is no defense against time and fortune. The first psychologist to test
my IQ said that I would be the best at whatever I wanted to do, and if that was being a bum
that I would be the best bum in the world. For a while, I think I was pretty damn good at what I did.
Perhaps that is becuase software designers can dress like bums.
Smart as he was, he never mentioned being a cripple.
I am not a very good cripple, but then again, I never wanted to be one.

And on top of all that, I fear that I am going to wind up in gitmo, because I hate dictators in general, and ours in particular.

Having Kvetched all I care to about my life, I again wish you all the best. Good luck on your new beginning and your long drive and watch out for KC, our streets are slightly worse than our drivers. BTW. Peter Gabriel has this sone with the lyric "this is the new stuff. I come dancin in." cant quite remember the title, but I am minded of the lyrics by your post.

talk about things happening! I'm happy for your positive attitude and wish you all the best!

:hug:

:hi:

If you swing far enough South you could catch Mardi Gras. :D

longship. Sorry to hear of all your problems. DU is with you in spirit.