Islands in the stream... that is what we are...

What.

The.

Fuck.

Just settling back into this bloggerino...

Only to find that over the last two days, some 35 individuals have visited here looking for "Kenny Rogers Facelift," many entering the search term IN ALL CAPS.

Because, for Christ's sake, it's that important.

Who the ... whhat the...

why?

why?

WHY?

I said it once before, but it bears repeating.

I'm back in the saddle.

The seat is adjusted just how I like it. Set back far, seat tilted up, seat back reclined, steering wheel extended and tilted down... because I will trade knowing my exact speed between 60 and 80 in return for being able to steer with my knees. The equalizer is set just so, and the cd is dialed into "Only" by Nine Inch Nails.

I'm out of the Cobalt and back in the saddle.

I have not yet uploaded the cute little puppy and baby pictures. I have a guest blog sitting in my inbox from Carmela.

I have neglected you, my bloglings. (Bloglets? Nay, bloglings.)

IT FUCKING SNOWED A FOOT TODAY AND I DID NOT GET UP ON THE MOUNTAIN.

But I'm back... I'm back.

I'm a brick-layin', smoke-stack-lightnin', steamin' hunk of burnin' junk.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The Red Sox are 2-1. Schilling is back in fine form, and Beckett threw a fuckin' gem last night. Ah, hope springs eternal.

THE LIFTS SHUT DOWN ON APRIL 16th. AFTER THAT I WILL BE WALKING UP THE MOUNTAIN. THAT'S 3 HOURS UP VS. 20 MINUTES DOWN.

(That all-caps thing is obnoxious. It'll never happen again.)

But that is really neither here nor there, dear readers.

I had a conversation with a friend today who works with non-profit, environmental organization. In May and June, every year, the elk drop their calves in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone. And, in May and June, every year, the grizzly females emerge from hibernation with their cubs and head down to the valley floor to eat the poor, defenseless elk calves.

(Because I know it's itchin' at you, the males come out of hibernation as early as February, and start scroungin' for food... stuff like dead goats that have been harassed off cliffs by golden eagles, only to fall to their deaths, freeze, and then later thaw and emit such a delicious fragrance that tha male grizzlies are lured from their months-long slumber, yearning for a taste of decomposing breakfast.)

(Holy shit. What a sentence.)

And, y'know? That's good enough for me.

I think I'll go home and mull this overBefore I cram it down my throat

Here I am, back in Bozeman.

It is really snowing.

The trip to Wisconsin was emotionally intense. I saw a lot of people who are processing some heavy life situations, both good and bad.

Obviously, there was the accident in which a friend was hurt very badly.

T-Rex and Alison had their baby. (Pictures to follow.)

I met with another friend having some serious spousal issues.

I stopped by my old law firm and saw some people I had not seen since last May.

I met with someone who is in over his/her head in a business venture gone badly awry that could make his/her considerable fortune disappear.

I got to spend time with my mom. She is the greatest.

I spent some time with four different people in the midst of some career upheaval and major life change.

I spent some time with my sister from LA, which was really nice.

I spent a little time with a friend whose mother recently passed away.

I spent some time with another dear friend whose mother has a very serious cancer.

I saw a former client at a gas station and she just unloaded about a sticky family situation and begged for my help.

There was some upheaval on the school board, and a good friend and former colleague did not get re-elected the other day. Edited out of respect to my former colleagues. All I will say to the new board members is: Good Luck. You have no idea of the size and stench of the shit pile into which you have just belly-flopped, some of it of your own doing. But have fun!

I spent some time and shared some tears with a parent who recalled the last time he/she saw his/her son alive.

I got to see UJ and Carmela's new house and NEW PUPPY. (Pictures to follow.) She may be the Cutest Thing Alive.

I met with a friend who was doing some fund raising for the Humane Society, a cause near and dear to India and me. We made a donation that makes my stomach flip-flop.

I figured after all this emotional intensity, some good karma needed to be sent out into the ether.

Each one of these things really deserves its own post, but they aren't really my stories to tell.