Hi Marque the situation you are in reminds me of bullying in that they won't go away and keep pestering people . Now having had my fair share of bullies over the years I have found that there are 3 ways of dealing with them 1 you can run away sometimes this is a good option. 2 you can stand there and slugg it out sometimes this works though the bully by definition is usualy too thick headed to realise when they are beat. 3 I have found the best way of dealing with such people, which really 'gets on their wick' is just let them get on with it (you know give em enough rope etc) just like a tree bend if pushed. Bend enough they fall flat on their face, (figuratively or literally) then you stand up and laugh. anyway if you need time out take it just don't burn your bridges (yes the metaphors are comming thick and fast folks!) and come back to us all soon. remember the unoffical motto of the british civil service 'Nil illigitamum carborudum' (sorry spelling latin or otherwise not a strong point!) see you soon Dave