To misquote an often misquoted phrase; "the reports of my departure are greatly exaggerated".
Well, this all leaves me somewhat grateful, embarrassed, sad and amused to a greater or lesser degree. I feel (having read through the 'EC' thread) that I must write a paragraph or seventeen to address the reason why I have been away, the post/s which seem to have been considered the trigger for my absence and to comment on some posts and thank everyone who said nice things (nice things are always nice, especially when directed to oneself).
The Post/s: Part 1
Having read the odd psychology book in the past I do find that on occasion I have a tendency to want to apply my found knowledge by asking a question or series of questions on the forum. These questions although probably amateur in construction from a psychology perspective can help me understand the FM I am conversing with, the more diverse topics we discuss the better my understanding of this person - this is not me indulging in psychological profiling.
In this case I was intrigued by Katty's post, a post I had seen from other forum members in one way or another, I too have posted similar things. To me, reading Katty's post, it felt a bit like kicking a man (or woman) when they are down. I was interested in Katty's take on the subject. I came to the conclusion long ago that interaction with C5 did not seem to change anything of note and as such I grew tired of trying or watching.
So, that's really all it was from my side, a bit of academic curiosity which would probably have continued with a discussion with Katty as I had a couple of follow-up questions. Not that I have any intention of perusing the topic any further.
The Post/s: Part 2 - Sainty
Now I feel I have to take a big chunk of the blame for what has happened since. I genuinely did not see the winky emoticon (been back into the thread to read it all). Instead I read the post on the night, felt mildly miffed and responded with a post which very much reads like I have taken my bat and ball home.
The wording was poor at best. My intention was to indicate that I was leaving the thread and not going to contribute to it. Lesson learned, count to ten before clicking the 'post' button and make sure you read your post so that it makes sense!
Sorry Saint, you have been getting a bit of flack, I could have resolved it on the day and I do think we get on 94.8% of the time. In all seriousness, I know not all FM's get on with each other equally which is natural, but I think we do fine.
EC! Where you been!
Well, I decided that I would have a bit of a spring clean and that means completely resetting my mobile phone and other devices. That kind of thing takes time and instead of sticking in the odd post (I'm not prolific) on Gagajojoy/BigBrother forum I was saving settings, re installing apps, sorting out contacts and all manner of electronic device related shenanigans! â In fact I am still in the process of completing this work.
But that's not all, because my job requires me to be up very early I have taken to going to bed a lot earlier than I used to. In the past I have stayed up until 10pm or 11pm and that just makes me tired during the day, so by 9pm I am now heading towards bed. Combined with the work described in the last paragraph I have not been online.
There's more, at work I am studying (as well as working) for an upcoming two week course at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. This is a really important two weeks because at the end there is 2 x 2 hour exams which I need to pass or EC could be looking at a massive pay cut! EC does not want that. So, I have been a bit preoccupied with study, and this study will continue for at least another 5-7 weeks.
Not forgetting last Sunday was the Italian grand prix and I watched that and missed conversing with Sprout, EFFT, Barney etc in the thread.
Flouncing, thanks and individual responses.
On the face of it this looked like a flounce, although one could now describe it as a 'flounce-ette' or better still a 'mini-flounce', no, that's still overstating it, it was definitely a 'micro-flounce'.
Having said that ^ it was still very gratifying to see so many nice comments, pictures and other methods of inducing me back to the forum (even though I really don't think I deserve any of it), but thanks anyway everyone, you are a lovely bunch.
Roger
Thanks for starting the thread, the hypno dog knocked me out cold. Also thanks for keeping on posting about me keeping me in the headline, you are a star.
El Loro
I suspect that I will see the PM when I log in (writing this before logging in). But thanks for trying to get in touch, appreciated. 
Everyone else who posted funny comments and encouragement etc...
(this is a response to some of those posts)
It does look like I have managed to get my @rse back on the forum, but I would not mind being tracked down by Jen as I am always open to a free coffee and a chocolate muffin. I'm pleased to hear that some of my posts are funny, one needs feedback from time to time so as to keep one in the zone, the funny zone. Nope it definitely was not you Sprout ...and relax. I was pleased to see that as the thread developed Velvet has been spotted, I was wondering what had happened to him a while back. Always like Xochi's take on my name, never the same thing twice. Totally agree Katty, we need to keep this band of misfits, rebels, superheroes and spies together. My days of jiving with two women at once are over, well until the opportunity presents itself again! OK Cinds, what do you know about the Human Leagues tour schedule, tell me, tell me. I'm found Kaffy, I'm probably going to get a slap if you have read this far. No transit van this time MrsH ...or was there? Hopefully you read my bit at the top with my apology Sainty, yours is accepted. I'm not stalking Ronnie again, last time I got chased off by his bouncers!!! EFFT, I've given up on trying to be a record breaker, anyway Norris McW is no longer around. The random things will return Ells, don't fear that. For the record, I don't have a No Direction avvie. It's actually the logo for 'The Black Dog' a Sheffield band on the techno scene. Where is my feast Amythist, I want my feast, I loves my food. I wish I had been on holiday Skylark.
If I have missed anyone I do apologise. 
The bit that made me sad was some of the convo's in the thread. If it was not for me they would not have occurred and I sincerely hope that no lasting damage has happened between the FM's involved.
I do like how the thread has morphed into a discussion about Apple watches. I shall give careful consideration as to where I stand with Apple watches before posting.
Epilogue
Can I have show of hands who thinks that we can consign this episode to the history books and crack on with the business of cake-baking-show-mancing-sequin-wearing-evitction-voting-video-posting-crib-dwelling fun?
(Baz would you be so kind as to count the hands for me).
EC
