Congratulations, Tom! 
I know what you mean about not being around lately.  I too have been very absent and feel kind of "out of the loop". 
I thought that winter would have given me all kinds of time to spend on RR, but I find myself so involved with other things or (more importantly) spending the time getting to know my new camera better. 
I also have had a sense lately that it's not just me being absent, but that alot of times I will come here and it feels like it's pretty dead. 
I do have to applaud the moderators for their attempts to get more people involved.  Lot's of new threads, but it seems like the people responding have become less.  I hope this is just a phase.
I also notice there are so many new faces that I just haven't gotten to know yet.  There is a crop of great new talent attaching themselves here..... it's almost intimidating! LOL :P

Kim Hawkins

 

Kim Hawkins Eastern Sierra Gallery