What do Thanksgiving, the past 3 weeks and Shanghai have in common?

They all happened when I didn't have a good connection and therefore couldn't make an update.  Sad day.  Actually, I only have a decent connection now because I'm bumming off a friend.  A very kind, generous, and more technologically endowed friend.  So, none of my pics are on this computer.  Word on the street is my connection should be restored sometime this week.  I'm not holding my breath.  Anyhow, all that to say: Yes, I'm still alive.  Things are going well.  I hope to post more when things are properly restored.