Sea, I'm not going to wait any longer to say this. I just want you to know that if you do go in September - and even though I'll still chuckle, going back and reading something that tickles me like your last sentence above - it will be a very sad time indeed. I've so enjoyed our repartee over these years since Ivan, and have to thank the PNJ (as much as I otherwise dislike them), and now boards of FL (along with his moderator Joani), for enabling the forum venues that've allowed our lives to touch, if only in cyberspace.
You and I have had our disagreements, and even an out-and-out spat now and again, but for the most part my memories of you will be positive, as I recall an often humorously stubborn, self-admittedly arrogant, but invariably interesting and engaging character with a seemingly infinite stash of life stories and a wealth of knowledge (whether or not always accurate! ha) on a wide variety of topics -- an optimistic man of the mind but also very much of the earth, a man who loved his family and was loyal to his many friends.
It's been rarely a dull moment here with our Seaoat in the mix, and I feel certain that most if not all forum regulars will agree that things will never be quite the same without you. Make that, things will never be anywhere near the same.
I, too, will hope for your return to reasonably normal digestive activities very soon and another lease on life, but, if you have to leave us -- whether now or some time down the road -- may your way be paved with comfort and eased by the love of family. As for this forum group, rest assured that, though we never even knew your name, you will be deeply missed.
___Linda L.