I just took two cats for a friend who will shortly not be able to care for them any more. One's a tad crazy, but they're otherwise great. But he would get up at the crack of dawn (4:30 am) to let them out. They think I should do this, but I just can't. Actually, I really can't, because they need to stay inside for a week or so (or longer if I can swing it, because eagles have been known to fly off with cats here, so I'd really like it if they became housecats). Plus, I have a new job and a terrible cold and company. I could use health~ma, patience~ma, plus perhaps a little organizational and creativity~ma for the job.

Thank you!

Some of you may know that I run a small press game company under the same name that I post under, The CaBil.

One of my releases, Dirt Cheep Cityscapes, was just announced as a Origins Awards Nominee, the closest thing that the industry has to the Academy Awards.

Needless to say, pleased! Actual relevance of the award is pretty much nil, but still neat!

Even though I've been so lurky of late that I fear most of you have forgotten who I am, I thought I would go ahead and make it official - Going Continuing dark charcoally grey lurkiness as I have to not only get caught up, but ahead, at work in preparation for my upcoming week in NYC.

Looking forward to meeting any NYCistas I can hook up with, but I do/will miss the (semi) regular chatting here.

'F anybody wants to say Hey, profile addy's good.

Also, to re-iterate to the NYCistas, looking forward to as many F2F encounters as time permits. Feel free to e.

Edited to add actual dates, duh. Arrive in NY 5/21 9pm-ish, depart 5/30 6pm-ish. Committed to relatives in NJ from 5/28 onward. Planning to go to as many touristy things as we can, but schedule is still very open for dinner, lunch, drinks, etc.

I'll be in Boston from this Saturday until next Wednesday on a work conference, and it would be swell if I could meet up with some of the Boston/Sommervillistas while I'm there. My evening schedule is kind of wonky, but lunch/coffee/drinks would be nifty if you guys have time. Profile addy is good.

Logging off for a week as of now. Play nice. Here is a big old tub of ~ma for everyone what needs it.

I have arrived in San Francisco for the weekend of Zmayhem. Those wishing to contact me through Monday should note that response time will be slower than usual.

Some of you know that I have been dealing with what feels like more than my fair share of crap of late. Two more things joined the pile today. I am going dark early; my best wishes to Hec and JZ, and to all of you attending the F2F. Be nice to each other.

I have new bird pictures up here.

The wrens did the best. The cardinal nest got wiped out by a hail storm a few weeks ago, but I got some nice shots of the female. The blue jays finished fledging and left the nest before I realized it, but again there are some nice pix of their mama.

I'm going dark until Wednesday evening, just in time for the final Angel watch and post. Must head to CA for work, and any "getting-home-in-time~ma" for the finale would be appreciated.

My grandmom, who had hip replacement surgery two weeks ago, died suddenly last night. i'm very sad. She was recovering pretty well but she developed an infection and her heart stopped suddenly late last night. we were close, you know, and i'm really going to miss being able to talk to her. She had a long and full life and, among many other things, helped raise a passel of pretty decent humans. it's going to be hard.

I'm also sad because I won't be able to go to the F2F and I was really looking forward to meeting a bunch of you fine people.