@SweetMissDaisy, I checked my old messages, and one from RickF back a few years ago said he had given Hoodat's info to you. At least that is my understanding. Any chance you still have it? This was when he was sick before, and had surgery.
I'm not sure that we can draw too many conclusions about @hoodat 's absence from TEG.
I had the impression that his gardening wasn't quite as important in his activities the last year or two. He is in San Diego where growing can be year-round. It is certainly possible for him to have 2 or 3 things going on and not have gardening as a very central focus.
When his rabbit picture was Picture of the Week, his response was positive, clear and very hoodat-like. It didn't leave me with the impression that he was in any distress.
Yes, I have his address. When he had surgery in 2012 he stayed w/ his son (a nurse) who lived a couple hours from him, in the "mountains". I would be happy to drop a card in the mail to him, on behalf of TEG.