Dear Folks, I am sure many are very aware of Alpha's letter. I find this a difficult letter to write myself. A long time ago, I had a dream, to see this forum pick itself up and become a vital part of this site. So, I bid for its moderatorship, and began something. I tried, I flailed, I almost drowned, and along came a wonderful soul called "Alpha". A talented and dedicated photographer, an uplifter, a wealth of knowledge, a friend to all who came in. For whatever reasons he may have, we must respect his decision, and hope that he may return, but give him a hug and wish him well no matter what. I am at a loss right now, and hesitated all day because I couldn't think of anything to say that might soothe us, and cause us to band up and around Fred, and keep going. I will try my damndest to help you all. YOU are a wonderful bunch of people, a shining example of the goodness of this site, and before you all say Im getting corny, I really believe this to be true. I think of the sharing you have between each other, the friendships cemented in here, the talent, the willingness to learn, and its breathtaking. But I would be a fool if I said it was because I had a hand in it. I truly believe this to be Alpha's genius, and the genius is, he is simply himself. Please bear with me, till we get more settled in, and somebody help me out if I stumble or am not answering properly. I will say, Photography is a deep passion for me. I work on instinct, on the moment. My husband was a professional for years, and I will lean on him to help me out till we figure out what is going on. The first thing we need to do is announce the contest winners. I will need to get some info from Alpha, and get moving. Thanks for wishing us well during these freezing moments, its a wind chill of -10 below tonight......YUCK! From the bottom of my heart, a well wish, and a big hug, Syyd