Ordinarily, this space would be taken up with the joyous news that "the project" -- the Master Chronology of the assassination -- is completed, at least in its initial phase.

But, so much else has occurred that that announcement was put on a "circular" enclosed with the journal. Please see the information on the Master Chronology that is linked near the top of this page.

As promised in the last issue, I made my "trek" to Russia to explore, among other avenues, the prospect that Lee Oswald was able to speak, read, and write Russian at the time of his "defection" in October, 1959.

The short version is: no way. "Moron" that, later.

But, I recall getting off the plane at JFK Airport in New York City -- where Associate Editor Brian Rooney was kind enough to collect me -- and my thoughts were focused on an almost immediate jet-turnaround, in order to speak at the Canterbury Seminar in England, held annually in late February or early March. Unrelated to the Russian trip, but with massive impact on the English trip, I was diagnosed with pneumonia in early February, and I had to forego the opportunity to meet old friends in the United Kingdom, or make new ones in the process.

It was clearly a win-some, lose-some proposition, and I can only apologize to the organizers of the Canterbury event, Stuart Galloway, Ian Griggs, and Mark Rowe here in the states, and hope that those folks will be kind enough to extend a future invitation.

On the day after my return from St. Petersburg, I was interviewed on a late-night radio show, "Black Ops," I believe, and that led to the creation of some new friendships, as a number of people contacted me and have subscribed. I had printed thiry extra copies of the journal for the trip to the UK, but they went out the door.

As always, I extend my deep gratitude to those who have re-subscribed, with a particular note of thanks to those who brought a new person inside the circle. If everybody could do that, we could begin to claim "strength in numbers," and I'm always hopeful.

More than anything else, however, I need to extend deepest thanks for the many, many get-well cards, e-mails, songs, phone calls, post cards, and candy-grams. Your widespread support was very much appreciated, particularly for someone approaching middle age who lives alone. I also extend thanks to the subscriber who suggested I go to an agency and hire a practical nurse until I felt better. Great idea, but it conjured up the image of Marguerite Oswald, and that likeness is more of a recovery stimulus than any nurse on duty.

Again, thanks to all, and please check the link for more information on the Master Chronology and my deepest thanks to all.