I agree with you about the new LJ strip. I really miss the little drop down box that allowed you to filter the friends page you wanted to view without having to make a permanent change to it. I used it a great deal when I only had time to check the journals of a few friends or if I was in the mood for fic and only wanted to see the comms.

Your hammock sounds wonderful. Lazy spring and summer days with a good book and a nice breeze is just this side of heaven. Hope you can put it back up soon and enjoy it some more.