Lately it has seemed as though the "no good deed goes unpunished" thing might be pretty consistently accurate. But then, in the past few weeks, I have received completely unexpected and thoughtful birthday gifts from some present and former bloggers I know. And today, in case there was any doubt left in my mind, Tod has completely convinced me that I have been so very, very wrong. Last week I did something small for Tod (no, not that, you big pervs -- and I'm sure it would NOT have been small anyway), and today I discovered that he has done something extremely generous for me in return (nope, not that, either, but truly generous all the same). In so doing, Tod has confirmed my renewed faith in the kindness of virtual strangers -- and virtual friends, too. I am humbled. Stunned, grateful, and humbled.