OK. Things are somewhat better.

Better, if not exactly good. It does not appear that I will be wearing a barrel nor carrying a sign that says "Will Offer Sardonic Commentary For Food."

My credit rating will probably be pining for the fjords, but it wasn't exactly voom before that.

As to when I might be offering sardonic commentary on a more regular basis, well...that's one of those hard to say things. Not as hard to say, perhaps, as "Oh, my God! Somebody help me! There's a man in my office with a *flamethrower*!" But still hard to say.

Heather is at thirty two weeks with our sixth, after all, and it is essential that I keep her happy in her increasing discomfort.

Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts--they are much appreciated, and I know they helped.

All is not well.

The muse has left me temporarily, at least.

More to the point, I've been undergoing some difficulties of late. Fortunately, none directly involve the family, who are all hale and hearty, and my marriage to the wonderful Heather is rock-solid.

But, unanticipated financial difficulties, brought on by what seems to have been truly bad advice provided to us, appear poised to bite me on the ass. The stress is unpleasant, and unremitting.

Your prayers, good thoughts and the like are welcome.