Been away too long.

[LeftyStrat]

2013 was the most difficult year of my existence, and at some point when you're being stoned, you just curl up in a ball.

I apologize to my friends on here, but I just needed some time to not be a blathering idiot.

First off, I've lived in Seattle for a decade, and never once had either dog have fleas, until this year. And these aren't normal fleas, they eat Frontline and give you the finger. I'm not sure if it was the fleas or the Frontline, but our eight year old pug 'Tater Tot' didn't handle it so well, and aged five years in the span of a month. He drags his hind legs when he walks, and seems only partly there.

Then my friend Russ found out he had stage four liver cancer. I may have posted Russ's work before. He makes amazing resonator ukuleles:

http://russmorin.com

The cancer has metastasized to his lungs and stomach. The prognosis is not good. At least with the new laws about pre-existing conditions, he was able to get health insurance in January.

Seems you're damned either way; live a long life and watch your friends die, or provide them with the pain of you going early.

My grandmother lived to 96, but had to attend her own sons funeral. In her final days, she had dementia so bad, she thought people were trying to steal her false teeth, and would hide them, and my mother would have to search all over the house to find them. Maybe she's somewhere laughing about that now.

Thanks to cbass for checking in. I'm slowly working on this, and soon I will be back, and wanting to be build amps that out last generations.

Sorry I haven't been posting, but I haven't had a lot recently to give.

[Reeltarded]

I have nothing of much value to offer. That really isn't what ITS all about. We have fun no matter what, sort of.

I have to agree on that stinking year. Worst ever. Another thing we shared, ya know.

When I get dark I don't talk as much too, sort of.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Just as I was about to say Where's That Lefty? So - you're in a new location, hope that's workin' out for ya.

[LeftyStrat]

Just as I was about to say Where's That Lefty? So - you're in a new location, hope that's workin' out for ya.

Actually still in the same location. My oldest daughter graduates, wants to move out, and doesn't want to go to college, but she's on the verge of getting funding to start her own radio station. Maybe sometimes college is for people that either don't know what they want to do, or what they've been told to do.

Morgan abides.

We still plan on moving, but Ballard is becoming trendy and expensive.

[xtian]

Well, shit damn, and welcome back.

[skyboltone]

OK, here you are everybody. A one anna two anna:

There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
The corn is as high as an elephant's eye,
An' it looks like its climbin' clear up to the sky.

Chorus:
Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Just as I was about to say Where's That Lefty? So - you're in a new location, hope that's workin' out for ya.

Actually still in the same location. .

After all that with the landlord ?!? I thought you were long gone from there.

[sepulchre]

Good to hear from you, Lefty. Here's hoping stuff gets better this year.

[boots]

Good to see you back on here Lefty. I've heard a number of people say that 2013 was a rough one. Must be a 13 thing.

Sometimes the world gets in the way of life. Or vice versa, or something like that. Anyway, things usually improve after a rough spell. Here's hoping that 2014 brings smoother sailing.

[NickC]

There's nothing wrong with taking a break from the internet.

I'm sorry 2013 was a tough year. Hope you have a better 2014, and thereafter!

Good to read you here again.

[Structo]

Sorry to hear about the troubles Lefty.

Seems like everybody is suffering these past couple years.
Either financially or health wise.

It's hard to keep positive when so many things go bad.

I'm sure the pharmaceutical companies are doing well.......

I hope things smooth out for you and for our other brothers and sisters here.

[Bob S]

Sincere best wishes for 2014 Lefty.
Missed your input here.

[LeftyStrat]

Just as I was about to say Where's That Lefty? So - you're in a new location, hope that's workin' out for ya.

Actually still in the same location. .

After all that with the landlord ?!? I thought you were long gone from there.

We're still looking. It's a popular area, but I have to stay in this district until my kids graduate.

[LeftyStrat]

Thanks guys. Apparently it's been getting to me more than I realize. My wife and kids say I'm more easily upset by bad drivers and other stuff. My wife even suggested I go take a mindfulness meditation course at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that's a few blocks away.

I do suppose I've been ignoring that big elephant in the room, named 'Impermanence.'

It just sucks when it's a friend younger than you. I've not exactly been Mr Healthy over the years, though I'm changing. I quit smoking June 24th and made it this far.

I haven't fired up the 'Soldering Iron of Justice' in some time. But I've been thinking about a blackface preamp into the later stages of a classic compressor whose name escapes me at the moment.

[cbass]

Glad to see you posting here again