Yes, Av8rGirl, I'm home. It took me awhile, but like Dorothy, I learned that "there's no place like home."

I just need to dust Duke off and start taking him with me. He does have many uses. Aside from getting things off top shelves, rapping inconsiderate jerks on the ankle (so sorry--my bad!), and generally keeping me vertical, I could use it as a pointer when I lead my meetings.

When I was using my cane more regularly, I found that with people I know who looked a bit startled by it, I just introduced them to "Duke", my friend, and it lightened the mood substantially. I guess it's time for Duke to make some new friends!