I wonder if that's happening to me too, or if people just aren't writing on their threads lately?

Anyway, that's kind of you to say, Gardener. I just wish I had some wisdom, insight and advice for MYSELF. It's always easier to see clearly in someone else's situation, it seems...

When the men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go;
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving slow;
Go ask Alice...
I think she'll know.