Timbo, I have a feeling that your natural generosity, your love of poetry and your endearing delight in communication will make it very hard to stick to this resignation you propose. Not only that, but I have a happy hunch that Alan will be with us--and writing glorious stuff, too!--for a long, long time to come. The 'Sphere will be--always has been--a much better place for the presence of both of you, who have done so much to make it what it is.

God bless both of you.

Tim: I'm with those who hope you won't go and with those who've seen this before and aren't sure whether to take it seriously. What the hell, though? I'd rather be a sap than a cad, so I'll bid you farewell every time you pull this maneuver. It was watching a poem of yours go through revision that first hooked me on this place. And when I first posted one of mine, it was the warmth (or was it heat?) of the reception you and Alan (and Janet Kenny and others!) gave me that really sealed the addiction. I've learned a ton from you and enjoyed knowing you a little around here. I wish you and Alan all the best and years and years in which to enjoy it. Take care, Tim. --Simon

P.S. Aside to John Beaton: It's Tim's to decide, I suppose, but I think you misjudge Mark Allinson in this thread. I thought his post was a loving tweak of a friend with whom he might be said to share a certain sensitivity...

Tim--

Good luck with everything... and if you do feel the need to log in again after a couple of weeks, no one will hold it against you.

Quincy

Tim, I'll miss you. I hope you change your mind. But if you don't, health and happiness to you and Alan.

Maryann

I thank all of you for your kind comments. Mark, I just didn't see your post on suspending your postings at TDE, or I'd have said "Say it ain't so, Joe." A number of people have written me privately, including Alex and Carol, suggesting I just take a long vacation. After six years and 10,000 posts, that is just what I shall do. See you all later.

Tim, you can't resign from a group of friends (and I hope that is what we are); you can merely go away. But here or there, you are still part of the group. Come back whenever you feel inclined. You will be welcome.

Susan

What Rhina said. Stick around, guys, both of you. Or take a short vacation, but come back.

"Wolf!" once more; good luck Mr. Murphy.

Tim, by my count you have about 3500 posts to go before you can take a vacation.