1) Please note the new layout which will remain available permanently and will temporarily be the "default" layout for non-registered users, pending reader comments (for which comments, thank you in advance.) I like it but am not in love with it. Please note that if you are or become a registered user, you may select other "themes" per your preference so if you like the old gray and black one, it is not lost and gone forever like Clementine.

2) I have been sick since the Potomac Primary election night; while I loved most of the results, the crappy weather took a piece out of me. The burst of posts on Wednesday was during a rare sick day. Posting will be less frantic/sparse once I get the last drop of dead phlegm out of my lungs (more disgusting to have it than to read it, I guarantee you.)

3) Please cross your fingers as we have just had a house showing here today in Reisterstown. The last one went fairly well but the buyers were generally shopping around, early in the process.

4) I have a possible Take Back the Blog host for 2008. I don't want to jinx it (i.e. her) but she's dynamite and I hope she agrees. I have held the view that an online event designed to promote women's full participation in online political (and other) media and to oppose predation against women should be managed, well, not by a male blogger, at least not two years in a row! Cross your fingers!

5) Those who had a 443 cell phone for me should cancel that number; I terminated my service with Verizon after the contract ended. Suggestions for decent deals re: same, particularly for the DC area where I am headed - much appreciated.