Note for my journal: I am checking out of the DU for a couple of months.

Please note that I'm posting this in the DU Lounge because I have to post somewhere to get this into my journal, at least for the next few weeks when it will be removed.

I would appreciate your not responding to this post. Please don't chide me for posting this -- or beg me to stay or just get out without saying anything -- or whatever.

For my own reasons, I reserve the right to continue to post my movie reviews, but mainly I will not be reading other personal posts.

There are a variety of reasons for me to do this. The most salient one is that -- while posting here can be educational, fascinating, and just plain fun -- at this time, there are many difficult personalities who have just made my DU life a living hell. Those of you who have been kind, I do appreciate it very much. Maybe my skin is just not thick enough for this forum.

I won't go into any details because if you are still reading this, you know who you are. If not, then you are out of my life anyway, either by administrative action or just because you don't read my posts. Live well and thrive to all of you.

Thanksgiving to New Year's Day is frequently a tough period for me anyway. I remember both of my deceased parents during this season. A friend of mine just lost her father; my daughter-in-law's breast cancer has been diagnosed as Stage 1, which is treatable.

This is a time for summing up and gathering family together. Also, this year, we will be on vacation again for a bunch of weeks during that time period. If I take this hiatus, I will be able to judge whether or not I have any more strength or wish to rejoin the DU. My main reason then will be to follow political activity prior to the November 2008 election.

Hope you understand, and I wish you all the best seasonal greetings.

Radio Lady Ellen in Oregon

holiday season.