CAN WE TALK?

Didn't it seem like I was alone since no one had posted for well over 14 hours? But isn't it always great when you're missed while you're away?

Can you believe that I was just thinking the same thing? Can you also believe that I have to leave again and get some stuff done around here? Do you know I'll be back later though?

Doesn't it work that way for everyone, when we all have to go for a while sometimes?

Did you know my home computer crashed, bang, last night and is now in the mac fixit shop? And that I am posting from work now, and will miss you all for the next few days? That I may have to come in to work on my days off for a little a2k "fix"?

Has anyone noticed the lack of concern over the whereabouts of Gustav Ratzenhofer? Is there not one person who cares about the crusty old capybara farmer with the glass eye and wooden leg? Did anyone see Gus staggering through the dark woods last night, alone and afraid, and being chased by a plethora of field mice? Does anyone care? Did anyone see Gustav curled up on the shore of his fetid swamp, clutching mud and cattails in his hands as he silently wept over the loss of his pet squid?

Osso, don't you know you're not the only who goes to work when it's temporarily impossible to access the internet from home?

Gustav, is it OK that I didn't notice because I'm new?

But Gus, Henry's been gone for ages - why the sudden attack of mourning!

(Well - it's morning here - 5.20am - but must be mourning over there! )

Since I'm still not over yesterday's food poisoning, can I wish everyone a good night a bit earlier than normal?

Margo showed polite concern when she said...


Don't you know I weep not for my giant squid, Henry, but that I weep for his son, Lester? Do you know the pain is unbearable? Do you know I am thinking of adopting another squid?

Eastree had food poisoning, did she eat your squid?

Gus - please don't adopt another squid. They are so flighty. They'll only let you down again. How can we bear it for you? I didn't know Lester, but...like father, like son. It's too sad.

Stick to the capybaras and the slender lorises. They have so much love to give. They'll provide the company you crave.

Don't you know I am laughing so hard, that my cats have all run away from me?

Have they returned yet?

Would you like a song, Willow?


Are you a lineman for the county?
Do you drive the mai-ain road
Searchin' in the sun
For another o-overload?

Can we hear you singin' in the wires?
Can we hear you through the whi-i-ine?
Is the Wichita li-ineman
Still on the line?

Do you need a small vaca-ation?
But don't it lo-ok like rain?
And if it snows that stretch down south
Will it ever sta-and the strain?

Do we need you more than want you?
Do we want you for all ti-i-ime?
Is the Wichita li-ineman
Still on the line?

Do we you more-ore than want you?
Do we want you for all ti-i-ime?
Is the Wichita li-ineman
Still on the liiiiiiiiiine?

May I express my concern for our dear Gussy and for Eastree that she gets better fast fast fast?

Gus was gone? Could it be that Gus makes such an indelible impression that everyone assumed he was still here?

Does cavfancier have any leftover calamari that Gus can adopt?

Am I being helpful?

Is Eva's concern real? Is there an infinitesimal speck of compassion buried deep inside that woman? Is she not the heartless gunslinger that we all thought she was? Does she have a heart? A soul? Or will she begin to rip us to shreds as she cackles merrily and rubs her hands with glee?

Gus, does it help to know that I've been wondering where you were, but I didn't put those thoughts here? Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?

Did you hear Fealola sing a song for me? Wasn't that special? Montana are you still here?

Can you believe that I am still here? Isn't Fealola so sweet for singing you that song?