An A.W.O.L. Apology ...

We're sorry we've not seen much of each other over the last several days. And we mean that most sincerely. Really. We've missed you all - and we only hope you've missed us, even half as much.

Maybe we should have said something before we went, but whatever -- we took an unannounced leave of absence. However, at least our particular AWOL has elicited an apology, albeit belatedly. Which is a lot more than anyone ever had from another infamous AWOLer -- who shall remain nameless -- well, for a while at any rate.

Within the next 24 hours we should both be back in the business of bringing our regular news and views to those who seek to see the same, from a pair of Old Brits such as we.

Anyway, a combination of a couple or so things conspired to lead up to us hiding our collective light of late.

One reason we unashamedly admit was sheer, shattering exhaustion of the cumulative kind. What between blogging, back & forthing between clinics, doctors and dentists, and filling in reams of [invariably, unbelievably unfathomable] flaming forms -- we were, for want of more fitting and refined phraseology, flipping well f*cked. Remember, we're no chickens: not in any sense of the word.

Another reason, though it may sound sorta corny and more than a little over used these days, was "... to spend more time with our family." Leastways, with our lovely and loving daughter. And since here in the UK it was Mothering Sunday yesterday, the missus & me spent the weekend sharing it with her.


Papers, magazines, TV, radio and even the web have all taken a back seat for four or five days. But now we believe our Old Brit batteries are fully re-charged -- or almost. So like we said, within the next 24 hours normal service should be resumed. Or at any rate a reasonable facsimile thereof.


So, as short and sweet as this post may seem, it's already bye-bye & ta-ta for now -- see you again soon. And we do mean soon -- real soon. Honestly.

** UPDATE: While you're waiting, have a look at this. LA and Paris aren't the only places where the people are showing our dear leaders how pissed off they are. This strike here in the UK today seems set to be the biggest since the historical General Strike, 80 years ago in 1926. (Note for our American readers: 'council' workers are equivalent to your 'city' workers.)

Below is a quick BBC clip & paste quote. You can read the rest right here.

Big council pension strike begins

The council workers' strike follows a long-term disputeUp to 1.5m UK council workers have begun a 24-hour strike over pensions.

Hundreds of schools, libraries and sports centres are shut, with services including transport, courts and refuse collection also hit.

Unison, the biggest of several unions involved, said early indications were of "solid" support for the walkout.

The strike is over plans to scrap a rule allowing some people to retire on a full pension at 60, which the government says is discriminatory.

The unions say it could be the biggest stoppage in the UK since the General Strike in 1926.