Well, I am goign to set a time limit for writing this post and not go over that limit, in an effort to keep my posts more readable in the future. Seven minutes:

Went back to Iowa City this weekend, as most or all of you probably know. I was able to see and spend some time with almost everyone who is still in Iowa City that my little heart desired to see.
It was really great to be social, kind of, and spend time having intellectually stimulating conversation with more than one person.
It was fabulous to spend time hanging out and time conversing with people who already kind of know me, so there is a repartee, there is a history of some sort, be it chronic or acute (not really a good context, I know, but they feel good there), there is a comfortability (is that even a word).
I am always amazed at how people, more than anything, make a place "home", make me feel wanted and comfortable and... well, at times, me. Don't our experiences, including "our people" make up a part of who we are?
It makes me feel good that, despite leaving at a critical juncture during a certain friendship and despite the fact that, between encounters, I always second guess and doubt that a connection and spark exist, they do. Mr. Martin, don't know if you read this, but conversing with you is good for my mind and my soul, or whatever metaphysical word you want to put there.
Time's up!