Hello again, conscience community,
Thank all of you for your generous responses and gifts. All told, I have everything that I need now with the exception of hiking boots and a shikibuton. These 2 things would make my like more endurable, but the shikibuton has almost become a necessity. I would accept a futon even, as the effects of sleeping directly on the earth is tearing me up. I remember once hearing an old farmer's tale of how sleeping on the ground robs you of energy, and my recent experience with doing just that has made a true believer out of me. So if you have a shikibuton or futon that you don't need and are willing to part with, I would be extremely grateful to have it. Thank you again, and blessed be.