Thanks for all the sage advice....especially OPY and MIO.
I went through my Activities History earlier this morning, found all of my old friends, and sent a 'friend invitation' to each of them.
And, in my 'Status' section on my own site page I posted the following:
"I'm sorry about my 'friends list' interruption (caused by a software clitch on May 22). However, I have taken the time to send out requests to everyone on my old list. Hopefully, many, most, or all of you will accept. Again, my apologies."
Thanks again, y'all were very helpful.
Mickey : )