Actually read Spring's post right before yours. He did make a brief appearance again it seems.
What's so ironic about his last post is it's to my former co-mod prince. Haven't heard from him in a LONG time either.
So you are headed to my neck of the woods, the Windy City. I was up there over Super Bowl weekend and the windchill was 35 below. Hope you have a much warmer time. Eat a deep dish pizza for me please.