Robert,
Gods speed and safety to you , a few $$ sent for extras , its not a lot but times are tough here too , 10 year low financially but i have optimism on my side and i can always spare a few bucks for a friend.
Theres an old saying , "a change is as good as a break " and this should be relevent in your case , also from the way DSL J writes , i think if anyone can energize and lift your spirits jons your man .. and did i just read that correctly yuo have just been offered a project/job ? involving frickin lazers , you lucky lucky SOB !! .. all that good karma you sent out keeping this place alive coming zooming back to you and saving your sanity !
looking forward to hearing your have arrived safely and settling in
paul