Greetings, loyal minions. Your Maximum Leader has been a bad friend. He’s not called back his best buddy Kevin after a conversation last week where a call-back was promised. There isn’t any reasonable excuse that he can give, except to say that the renovations (which are very close to being done) distracted him. (NB to Kevin: Sorry man. I’m a loser.)

Some of you might also read Kevin’s blog, Kevin’s Walk, and be following the story of Kevin’s mom in her ongoing battle with brain cancer. Kevin, his family (and by extension, me) have been you dealt a tough hand to play out.

While I suspect that today will be a busy one for Kevin, it will probably not be too busy in the celebration of his 40th birthday. Kevin will likely be busy preparing to travel with his mom and dad down to Texas to visit relatives.

I wish Kevin a very happy 40th birthday with many happy returns. I hope that you have a great day today and enjoy the time you will be spending with mom. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers today.

(2nd NB to Kevin: I’ll call today. Promise.)

Carry on.