In response to ...

... Erishkigal's comment below and MJ's comment on her blog, I'm posting an update.

First, i don't know when I'll be back. I'm having a lot of fun not blogging. I've made some new friends and have been renewing some old friendships.

The two-dimensional world of the net is a good place, but I'd forgotten how great the three-dimensional world is. The goal is to be equally at home both places and eventually to meld two and three dimensional --- what do you think?

As for gardening, don't get me started! I can't believe I'm really seeing results, even though there's still so much to do.

I'm getting my first grapes this year. I can already see the little clusters on the vines.

I have butterflies everywhere. And it appears I had a mess of Monarch lay eggs here perhaps? because i was covered in Monarchs --- little ones --- for a week or so.

So my initial butterfly gardening attempts have worked.

I'm redoubling the efforts. New goal: to be certified as an official Monarch Watch site sometime in the next year or so.

I haven't yet planted fruit trees or nut trees, but I have just about finished my fruit plantings here. I now have blueberries, strawberries, elderberries, raspberries and something else ... ? ... going. The next step is to establish vegetable gardens. i have tomato and herb gardens going, but no real wonka wonka veggie gardens. So this is the next step.

Lots more, too.

In a month, I'll finally have a back porch. I've gone through tons of money --- my savings is nearly gone.

However --- and maybe the best news of all --- I might have another job.

So that's what I've been doing. I'm still watching you all and I will be back soon enough.