First off - It's been good playing with the gang again. I know for the vast majority of the last 6 months I pretty much dropped off the face of the earth (and actually perhaps even a bit longer).
So, basically, what I've been up to is finishing my Associates (2 year) degree. Last fall I pulled a full time course load, plus working full time+ (45 hours+ per week and on call as well). Suffice it to say that last fall burned me out.
This spring I finished up my last two classes and graduated. Here's a pic from graduation. The two distinguished looking individuals are my parents (they are indeed special people to have supported me in my continuing education efforts).

Also, through a unique set of circumstances, I moved out on my own into a housesitting/renting situation last November, moved back home temporarily while the house is occupied this summer, but will move back again this August indefinitely.
So the challenges of moving, tending to a house, moving again, and all that goes with it has kept me hopping. But I've enjoyed it immensely. Did I mention that the house is right on an area lake? Absolutely gorgeous. I neglected to get any pictures of the house and view on the lake, but will post back with them later on this year.
So, my apologies on dropping out of the gaming community. I'm taking the summer of from College, but will start up again in September for the next two years of my Bachelor's degree.
So, until I'm distracted again from the real priorities in life (MOHAA), game on!