You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone.
Let me take the opportunity to thank you for your welcoming efforts on our behalf.
Some new-users experienced delays in being welcomed your during your absence (we resorted to apologising for the inconvenience), so obviously you do a very effective job when you are around.
Thanks to Tim_Tex and all the regular welcomers (you each know who you are) for presenting a friendly WP-face to new members!