Hi, CDM: You are certainly correct about time spent. I tend to spend more here than sewing.
As far as puncuation marks instead of smiley faces. Those marks are the computer code for the faces. If you click on the 'Preview Post' which is right next to 'Submit' when you're typing you will get to proof read your text and see the faces.
Finally, (not that I'm really going) but when I tour the Grand Canyon it will be on the helicopter tour. Got to see that from above.
Have fun.