I'm still alive and well at 76 and still work 2 to 6 days a week, as needed. I always said I'd reconsider retirement at 75; now I say I'll reconsider at 80. I love to work, especially in health care, as I can make a real difference to my patients quality of life. I still laugh and sing every day; dance too, though a bit slower.

Yes, both of you...

A few of you know the last year and a half have been a challenge for me as my cataracts overcame my eyesight. Reading and writing became difficult if not impossible. I had the surgery in July. It has a 99% success rate but I was in the 1%.

On the 29th I had PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) also called ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation). For someone who loves to read and write this has been a real trial. I was warned of extreme pain and a slow recovery: Weeks, months, maybe a slow year.

I'm Dropping out of BCTS for a while perhaps permanently. Those of you who have it can reach me by email.

On my birthday I quit my part time jobs with 2 separate Podiatric practices. Well, I tried anyway. I was told by each doctor that he would accept my resignation only if I would agree to come in as a consultant as needed but that I wouldn't have to work a regular schedule. One of them gave me a second job doing something I only did informally for him before.

I tried to go from 4 jobs to 2, but now it feels like 5. I guess it's nice to be wanted at my age... But, geez, guys.

Ole

Today is the big 70 for me, and all things considered, it beats the heck out of the alternative. Those who knew me as a teen looked at me, shook their heads and said, "That crazy SOB will never see 30". Well to all of them: Raspberries!

I'm still around and going strong, and whats more I've had fun every day of my life. Though I gripe and bluster a bit on occasion, What's the point of being 70 if you can't be a little curmudgeonly once and a while? But I want you all to know that I love and respect everyone here and that you are all my adopted family.

RL's been a bitch this summer, and I've said and done things that have hurt people I care for. Time to go away and try try to find the calm center in my storm (again).

In a recent blog you mentioned re-reading an older story. That reminded me of what a marvelous repository of excellent fiction we have here at Big Closet. Erin and the other Admins. are to be thanked for what they have provided here.

I often read stories that are many years on the site. But, you know, they're all new when you read them for the first time. I like to thank the author by signing in and giving a Kudos for each chapter: It takes little time and effort and gives them a thank you for their work.

If you're coming to Louisville for the Derby Saturday, Please come a day early and attend "The Oaks" on Friday. It's a wonderful event billed as "Fillies, Lillies and More" to honor breast cancer survivors. Go here for pictures and information: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/kentucky-oaks . All attendees, both women and men, are encouraged to wear pink. Hey, no problem here!

In my first part of my blog I promised to post my reasons for choosing the symbol for Aleph Null as my avatar. I've taken it from a Novella to a short story by just skipping a jot of stuff, but it's still a bit long. So I'll post it here and leave a link to the original Blog.

http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/blog/42663/no-no-im-not-shouti...

How did you choose your avatar?

Tomorrow is the 54th anniversary, Feb. 03 1959. If you don't remember this congratulations, you're younger than I. Use it wisely!

One of our friends, and a huge asset to BCTS, has come upon troubled water in her life and needs a bridge to help her across. WE CAN BE THAT BRIDGE! Erin and I have been working behind the scenes to try to help this shining "Silver Girl" who has given so much of herself to help others without asking for anything in return.

Reminds you of a song? It is: One of my favorites... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjNgn4r6SOA&feature=related