section7mfu | Rainy Days and ... Fridays

It's raining and will be all day if the reports can be believed. I have to work and both of my umbrellas are in the car. Genius move on my part, and 100% likelihood that I'll get wet trying to go from my front door to the car.
LJ seems not quite as active as it once was, and I wonder if it's because of the UA or simply people drifting away. I'll admit that writing hasn't been at the top of my list lately, too many distractions and the recent hospital visit have all contributed. I am working on a story though, so I'm hopeful the muse is climbing back on board the story train.
Fridays are often for the Reading Room, sometimes an Impromptu Challenge. Today I was just wondering if we might 'check in', so to speak. Update the community on how things are rolling in your part of the world, what you're up to and how life is generally.
Section VII is more than MFU, it's become a gathering place. So... let's gather in the comments section and have a chat.
p.s. I'll go first...