Seems like just yesterday we were bracing ourselves for the upcoming special session Gov. Bill Richardson promised after his health care plans fizzled in the regular session.

Since then, though, we've heard little, including about the working group that the governor was going to appoint to look at his health care plans a little more closely.

We've also seen little -- actually none -- of that around the state campaigning for health care that Richardson talked about.

We've heard from the governor that the session will come this summer, but that's it.  (Keep in mind the Democratic National Convention is in Colorado on Aug. 25-28, too.)

So could Richardson be having second thoughts?

While it's only a small part of the health care picture, the state is facing a Medicaid budget shortfall. (It  also is grappling with the rising cost of just about everything out there, but who isn't?) That's sure to play a big role in discussions over whether the state can afford Richardson's plan to cover everyone in the state.

Another part of the equation here is of course the Legislature that Richardson wants back in Santa Fe. The Senate is none too happy that it got its capital outlay axed by the governor. But lest you think the House is glad about the whole situation, it isn't. And with the questions lawmakers say were left unanswered during the regular session, they don't seem willing to come back to town before next year, unless there are big changes in Richardson's plan.

I talk to lobbyists and lawmakers all the time who are wondering if they should put their lives on hold any more waiting around for Richardson to call the next session. Unless there's some action soon, I'd go ahead and book that summer vacation -- before those prices go up any more.