Yes, I realize it's been a while...

...But, there have been changes and goings on here that have kept us away from the regular updates and trenchant analysis of the human condition upon which you have come to depend.

First, I have concluded my consular career. Huzzah!! I've put three years in on the visa line. Last Thursday was my last day.

I am now Phil Nervig...Political Officer.

Second, maybe you've now heard. It's been public for a few days. We're about to have another high profile visitor.

I'm playing a role in the visit, so that is keeping me busy.

Also the whole 'how to be a political officer' thing. Learning that is also somewhat time-consuming. Plus, we're in a neighborhood that has re-emerged on the foreign-policy map as of late, so there's that.

Oh, and bidding. Yes, bidding.

We've got some personal favorites for our next tour. But again, as I explained in what I later determined was a far too detailed and confusing explanation of the process, our personal favorites might not line up with what people in charge of putting people in positions think of me, and my potential.

But never mind that. We'll hopefully get one of our top choices, and either live on a new continent (we've got Asia, Europe, and, of course, North America covered), or return to our beloved Asia. Good choices, both.

The new continent is, by the way, Africa.

Finally, we went back to Poltava last weekend. Katherine, Jack and I went with our friend Mike and his son Anton to join Slava and Iulia once again on the Vorskla river.

This time, we all camped.

Pictures coming.