Sorry again for the absence… This respiratory thing has knocked me on my butt lately. A few days of Cipro-link antibiotics, a good decongestant, and lots of sleep have added up to "almost" recovered. Hang in there, this is gunna get good.

I know, you were beginning to wonder, "Just where in the heck did Slobokan go?"

A lot happened this last week:

First, as you know, we lost a beloved co-worker. That was quite a shock to everyone.

Second, I had a ton of stuff to finish before I returned to Georgia, then someone who thought they knew what they were doing totally hosed one of our servers. sigh. Anyway, I was aiming to leave the Baltimore area by noon, and I finally got out of there around 1:30. Of course, 5 miles from home (and 11 hours later) there was a HUGE wreck, and I was stuck in traffic for another hour and a half. haha.

Third, I came home with some sort of NASTY head cold. Recover has been slow, but at least it is getting better.

So, I am back. Are you ready? haha

PS: Thanks to all of you who left comments or sent e-mail last week. It was greatly appreciated.

We had a meeting in Wilmington, Delaware this morning. I had never been to Delaware before. After today, I really hope I do not have to go back. haha. Now, the people there told me that SOUTHERN Delaware is nice, it's the northern part that really really sucks. So I will take their word for it, for now.

More meetings this afternoon, some more planning, a little coding, and another day was done.

I went to visit my brother-in-law and his family tonight, ate pizza, then came back to the room for more research. Another day is done.

Today did not start too well. We have not received any "official" word from the family, but the word is that our co-worker has passed away. Another somber day at the office.

"The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief, but gratitude." – Unknown

Farewell Jack, you were a true gentleman, a true friend.

Usually, the first day back in the office, I touch base with everyone, make sure they are not experiencing any issues with their pc's, and if so, do what is needed to correct those issues. I quickly found that this trip is different. Very different.

As soon as I walked in the door we had a meeting. One of our own is sick. Very sick. It seems his blood has stopped "functioning" and things do not look good. A few of us went over to Johns Hopkins to visit with him, if he felt like taking visitors. I did not get to see him. He took a downward turn and they called in his family. We all stayed (so someone would be there with him) until his family arrived. When his family arrived, we returned to the office. I had no way to prepare for this day. What a day, indeed.

Upon returning to the office, we held a pretty interesting meeting to implement some ideas a few of us have had recently. It went well. Very well.

Around 6:30 I came back to the hotel, thought of our friend at work, and went to Gunnings for a crab cake. Yes, I drowned my sorrows went to celebrate the life of a friend. The crab was excellent. Oh yeah.