Yeah, I'm going back to the Emerald City for a week or so in early September for the annual en masse camping trip.

And this year, I swear, I swear on my life, on my honor, on both Oscar Wilde and Wrong-way Feldman's graves that I will--oh yes, I WILL--purchase my plane tickets for the right day this year.

This weekend we've got some friends coming over for Joe's perfect steak (teriaki portabello mushroom burgers for the veggies) cookout. I need friends right now. Too much time and stress at work lately, and since my friends are my family (even though I've got a fabulous real family) I rely on them to heal.

I've always been lucky that I really only NEED them once or twice a year. They're that good. They give me a year's worth of goodness in one week. If you're going to be in Seattle in early September, let me know and I'll give you all the details on the camping excursion. If you read this, you're more than welcome to join us.

Let the countdown to Seattle begin.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of the Abyss.