I have been trying fruitlessly for the last couple of days to make my Blog behave. Before I went for my hip replacement I sent off a "see-you-soon" which was automatically posted to all Google group members. I am back now, after a harrowing month where the hip operation went fine but the next day everything went downhill. Complications? You would not believe. After fighting through suspected lung clot, failure of pancreas and kidneys, not to mention gall bladder in turmoil - I endured several days running an almost fatally high fever in ICU. After three weeks in hospital they got things under control and sent me to rehab. Unfortunately, although I can move around with the aid of a walker, I am still terribly weak from my hospital ordeal.
I shall be myself sooner than later and we can resume Looking Ahead.
I am not a fatalist. I do not believe in "what goes around.." or that somehow by some divine force I get punished for doing well. I do not believe that my joyful piece on turning 80 has led in any way to my current problems. Coincidence. Chaos-believers, and Existentolists will agree.

For all of you who have waited anxiously to hear the outcome of my hip replacement (March 25) I apologize for not getting back to you.
The hip replacement was a complete success. However, following the operation, complications set in - totally unrelated to the hip surgery.
I will not go into all the gory details, suffice to say that I am lucky to be here.
One month after the hip surgery, and after three weeks in hospital, including several days in ICU,
I am finally able to communicate.
I will be creating new (and I hope interesting) items for your perusal, criticism, and confrontation.
I am glad to be alive.
Larry