I am a cretin. I wallowed around in self pity all weekend and did not even get a short note out to let you know I was thinking about you and was sorry to hear about your hemorrhoid problem. Ouch is all I can say.

I think I wrote you about the last time I had a much less serious problem, when I had sort of coughed my way into a small hemorrhoid. Surgery. Now that certainly does not sound like any fun at all. Maybe it will not be needed?

[Editor] I had the surgery about two weeks ago and am feeling much better. The procedure was done in the doctor's office using local anesthetic. I was a little tender afterwards and painkillers helped me get through the first couple of days. But in the end (no pun intended) it was not as bad as I thought it would be and I'm glad I finally had it taken care of.

I do not know if you have kept up with Calulu's blog, but she is currently on the 'strongest pain meds allowed' and it is only taking the edge off her multiple problems with her shoulders, elbows and wrists. She is going to need surgery to fix the problem and the recovery is at least six months.

She used some voice recognition software and was complaining it did not like her southern accent. I told her it should get better as she trained it. She used the software to dictate the two page letter she sent to me.

I also received a refund from Hamilton today for the books Bobbielou ordered. One of the books was out of stock. Sometimes the refund goes to the person that orders, sometimes to the recipient. I will have to get a letter out to her tonight also.  ¶ 7:10 AM