Come back to us, Pale, we miss you!!  :)  :)

I'm SO happy to hear that you're all right -- I
got really worried when you vanished!  I guess no
internet access will do it, though.  You must
really be out in the sticks!

There is one thing, though, that I need to point
out in response to your post.  Yes, this hobby may
have its downside.  It may have its flamewars, its
competitiveness, its heartbreaks and
frustrations... but it also has people like you. 
And as far as I'm concerned, the friends I've made
through this hobby make all the negative aspects
seem trivial and laughable.

'Cause we have somebody to laugh at them
with.  :)

By the way, please-please email me with your new
mailing address!  I've been setting aside goodies
for you from time to time, and I'd sure love to
send them home!

It's a good day -- Pale's alive!  :)