has it really been over 7 months?

So, I really have no explanation for why I haven't posted since last August.  I've even had persistent reminders and strong nudgings from some dedicated readers...you know who you are - wink, wink!  Anyway, I've finally had the urge to blog again, and don't have any idea how to pick up after such a long break.  Sooooo, I decided to give a quick little review on each month since my last post to catch us up to present-day.  I'll go ahead and post September's review right after this, then I'll do the following months here and there over the next week or so.  Enjoy!  And welcome back!