Once upon a time, before we were "blessed" with widely available, economic transportation, and global communications, many of our friendships were glued together by PROXIMITY. We are resourceful creatures, and are quite adept at utilizing what is at hand to meet our needs. Neighbors were friends, because they were close by. Maybe we packed up the wagon and headed out West for a new life, and had to face the loss of friends back home, but we didn't do it every couple of years when we got a better job off of Monster.com. So, we now see this swing in relationships that is often dictated by MOBILITY. I see it as a numbers game. I haven't relocated that often, but have made several "career moves" over the years. Each of these changes has brought me through a different little cosmos, complete with the usual cast of good, bad and ugly acquaintences. As my little spaceship of life has travelled to the next galaxy, the mobility has taken me out of the proximity of the last planet, and thus out of constant communication with its inhabitants. I guess if I had just stayed put in the 'hood, I would still have the same circle of friends I did as a child. Or not. I am actually typing this from less than a quarter mile from where I grew up, and not a single soul from my early days is still around. And while I recognize the fact that looking over someone's shoulder may be shortchanging that conversation, I must admit that it has often brought me to the place where I was being guided in the first place. So, here I sit, in close proximity to my old stomping grounds, unable to visit with old friends who are no longer there, and utilizing electronic mobility to communicate with new friends.

New Zealand. Hmmm. We must visit more about this, friend.

Be happy and careful