I have chronic hand pain. Not as debilitating as the medical problems you have faced, but I understand a little of your struggles — one against the flesh and one against the medical system, if your history’s anything like mine. However yesterday went or tomorrow goes, I hope you’re OKish today.

What beavers are for you, birds are for me. They, too, cover themselves in ass oil as a sealant — perhaps the two kinds of animal are in cahoots. Now there’s a wacky hook. And you’ve inspired me to consider giant birds in my world. The Atlas Mountains seem like a good place for a roc, and with such a big wingspan they could range far for their dinner. Maybe even menace Spanish shipping, Moroccan traders or Salian pirates — but the risk / reward ratio would be poor. Better to snarf a cow.

I’m also thinking about giant tree birds, and thus giant fruit, giant berries. Or, imagine a giant’s orchard, with giant peaches — and several regular-sized birds all pecking at one giant peach.

By the way: if I understand correctly, both you and Alexis live in Calgary. What are the chances?! Would that I could discover another “work hard on a reality-based world” DM here in Southern California. At least we can all connect on the web.