I haven't had anything remotely interesting to say lately, hence the dearth of updates. But lest anyone think I've dropped off the face of the earth, I am still alive and well.

The neighbors across the hall have finally moved out. They got rid of the yapping, pooping chihuahuas several months ago, but the humans lingered like a bad cold. Until last week, when workmen showed up to redo the walls and floor of the apartment. So now, instead of twelve dogs barking at all hours, or having to avoid the man who owned said dogs and left them alone in the apartment for weeks at a time while they pooped on the floor and made a terrible mess, we have workers playing Spanish-language talk radio early in the morning while they paint the walls and polish the floor. I'm assuming we'll get some new neighbors paying exorbitant rent in the next few weeks. Anyone has to be better than the last guy. On the other hand, he did have an unprotected wireless network that I could surf on if my DSL ever went down. That, like the dogs, is also gone.