Thanks for all of the well wishes! (and a couple o' jabs...

)
Stinkin' back thing came back at higher level than ever... hit late last week and just got worse every day. By Sunday, could not even drive as within minute of driving, the pain in leg was furious and my right ankle and foot go numb... not a particularly good thing for safe driving.
SSB had to make a major U-Turn on Hwy 535 as feared if waited any longer would not be able to push the break down... ack!!!

Since then, have only walked and taken two quick rides (one cab, one friend helped)
After HMO runaround o'rama, do have an apointment scheduled with a Neurosurgeon tomorrow (Friday) in early afternoon. From talking to some others (including DIS'ers) think that the surgery may be the only/best thing to do at this juncture.
Shall keep you posted... and THANKS for all of the nice thoughts. We are a big group of diverse people, but are all in all, family.
Thanks!
Randall / SSB