"Do that again and I'm taking you to the Baby Prison"

Well good luck with that little baby!!! [2008-11-26]
nm

SIL hits the baby? There IS something you can do! sm [2008-11-24]
If you have observed this, you absolutely need to call Child Protective Services. You're being a bad grandma by NOT doing this. No, it's not your fault, but by not doing anything to prevent it or stop it...you are contributing. Nip this in the bud for the baby's sake!

Sorry about your baby... [2008-11-19]
Losing a pet is like losinga member of the family. We lost our beloved 9-year-old black lab 4 years ago, the week of Christmas. I had to take him to the vet because out of the blue he had an episode, that he just lied there and wouldn I thought he was dead then. He came to and I took him to the vet. She couldn He died the next day. It broke all of our hearts and when I saw my husband cry (I had never seen him cry before in 13 years of being together), it made the hurt that much worse.

YEAH baby!! Me too. sm [2008-11-18]
About 10 years ago I bought a Honda HX with prototype gas-efficient trannie, light wheels, no frills. That puppy would still be with me if not for the prototype trannie pretty much fizzled on most of the HXs but I milked mine for as long as possible. Ex had a Prelude, same year (99). He loved the car and took great care of it. Gas was killing him though (uses it to drive and travels a bit). He wanted to keep it in the family so he sold it to me. I drive about 5000 miles a year, if that. Amost 300,000 miles on that one and what a dream it is!!! He bought a new Civic. Another SWEET car. My son has a 1990 Accord, bought it used with less than 100,000 miles about 3 years ago. We've put some money into it, mostly cosmetic and just catching stuff up, but it runs like new. My Civic was actually built in US, so I didn't feel too guilty, but how many years have US automakers had to see the writing on the wall? I'm sorry, but I like keeping a car forever. No car payments are great. Honda fits that mold.

My baby Cody [2008-11-13]
He's an English Bulldog, though about one of the sorriest-looking ones I've ever seen, but he's perfect in my heart. (I hope the image loads...we'll see...lol)

Baby? lol [2008-11-13]
He looks like a big baby! lol How cute, looks like he poses for pictures often. I would definitely have that one in a frame with that beautiful smile! :)

Also at your mom's age - is she taking a beta-blocker? sm [2008-11-11]
People with potential asthma can be triggered into full-blown asthma after URI, if they are being treated with a beta-blocker (for HTN, anxiety, whatever other condition). No comments regarding your kids but just wanted to remark about your mom.

Third time is the charm! I put my baby as my avatar in my profile. [2008-10-30]
Man, I'm just not a techie!

Baby shower gift or shower [2008-10-27]
Anyone have some creative or unique baby shower gift ideas or shower ideas? or what is something that you couldn I have heard of giving a book instead of a card and signing the book. Also heard of wrapping the present in a blanket or crib sheet instead of spending money on paper to throw away. I have heard of charging an admission fee of a package or diapers or 1 package of diapers buys a raffle ticket for a prize.

Help. I have made my own prison. Please make suggestions sm [2008-10-24]
I will try to make this brief. I have marital problems, husband is gone all the time. I came to work at home again because I have no help with our children. I need to be here if they are sick and be here when they get home from school. But I have become once again socially isolated (I did this type of work for years and had a job outside of the home and enjoyed it, except for the fact that my children did not get enough attention, so I quit). I do have friends but I don I used to walk several miles a day but never do that anymore, have gained weight, eat junk food, stay on the computer too long. I am constantly busy. I still do volunteer work with my children - Scouts, church, etc., but I am so overwhelmed. My husband is almost never here. It almost feels more like he comes to visit us sometimes than actually lives here, but I need his help financially and my son is very afraid for me to get a divorce (long story, but he is afraid he would have to live part-time with his dad, and they are not close). I have debt that my husband doesn But he won When I tell him I need more money he tells me things like, turn off the cable TV or don The thing is he spends lots and lots of money on entertaining himself. He makes 3 x as much as I do (or maybe 4 by now). I have not been allowed to open his mail for years and we pretty much never talk. I have started to allow things to pile up, mail around my desk, weight around my middle, clutter here and there. I just feel like a big slug. I am tired much of the time. In reading this I sound depressed but I am already taking an antidepressant which I started a few years ago because of my marriage.I love my children so dearly but I am afraid of leaving and disrupting their lives. If I left I would at least get my part of the equity in ourhome, etc., and maybe have a chance at having a life again. Anyway, I know this is long and rambling and jumbled, but I just woke up, from another night of poor sleep. Please suggest what you would do. Thanks

start by taking charge of your life in 1 small way [2008-10-24]
Start exercising again. If you can I would pick something smaller to change to start with. I know this is easier said than done. Good luck.

And start taking 1/2 hour walk every [2008-10-24]
day and build on it -- adding another 1/2 hour walk or making it 1 hour. Do something for youself every day. Get up, get showered and fix your hair before starting your job. You

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. sm [2008-10-24]
No words can help you get over your loss, but know that I feel your pain. I have three bassetts, they are older, and no matter how long you've had a baby, it's sad to lose any pet. You are in my thoughts. You did the right thing.

For me it is not about gay/straight - it is about government taking too much control of our children [2008-10-16]
That is a really sore subject with me!! I want everyone to live their lives and teach their children as they see fit. As far as the gay/straight issue, I have taught my children who are 8 and 11 about homosexuality, about people being different, acceptance, not to be judgemental. I just have an issue when public school teachers want to use the school as a public forum for whatever reason. In school I remember a teacher who had strong political views and she taught us daily her way of thinking. I don't think that is fair. I think certain things should be reserved for parents to teach their children.

See, the problem is, you're taking YOUR personal [2008-10-16]
adhere to it, or else they are morally 'WRONG'. This teacher isn't forcing anyone to attend her marriage. Whoever wants to stay home, can. It's just no big deal. How you think as an individual IS your right in the US, whether you believe it is God-given or not. But the deal is, that right may also be Buddha-given, or Allah-given, etc. I find it really strange that people feel there is a different 'lifestyle' associated with homosexuality. Except for a brief period of time spent in the bedroom (which is really NOBODY's business but theirs - not even God's), for most gays, every other aspect of life is exactly the same. They still set their alarms, get up in the morning, go to work, and contribute to society. Actually, a large number of them contribute far MORE to society than your average 'Joe Sixpack' or 'Joe the Plumber'. Among my own gay friends, there are: - An astrophysicist - A doctor - A lawyer - A teacher - A scientist - On individual who graduated from both Harvard AND Yale When it comes to contributing to the outward appearances of the city, the gay community has moved into some areas (like the Castro) which used to be seedy, dangerous neighborhoods, remodelled, repainted, rebuilt, opened restaurants and boutiques, and turned it into one of the city's best neighborhoods with a strong tax base. There are homes in my own neighborhood owned by gays that they put their effort and money into, and now those homes shine, increasing property values all around them. I've been on this earth far more years than I care to admit, and I have to say - I have yet to meet a single homosexual person, male or female, that I didn't like, and who didn't make a significant contribution in life. That can't be said for many of the heterosexuals I've known. And finally, let me tell ya - the best 'girlfriend' you could ask for is a gay guy. My friends keep me laughing nonstop, and brighten my life. Condemning a person's entire existence because of a mere 20-minute difference in bedroom behavior is wrong. If that's what 'God teaches', then I'm glad that's not MY God. My God is tolerant of all those that he created.

The keyword here is 'based'. If you go taking all that [2008-10-16]
you degrade the very 'laws' you claim to be living by.

Bad idea...unfair and taking steps backward. [2008-10-15]
This segregates a group out and discriminates against others. It says one group of citizens deserves more special attention or situation than others. If homosexuals want to be treated like everyone else, they must extend this through every aspect of their life. It wasn't easy for women or blacks to get to vote or have any of the rights we do today. This group will have to fight for theirs, as well. I also want to point out that there is no way to shove the homosexual agenda down the throats of those who are opposed and make them like it.

Ok ADMIT it....you cleaned this up before taking the pic!! [2008-10-13]
hahahhahahah. Dud!!

That's my baby's daddy!!...sm [2008-10-11]
This is my CJ's daddy everyone. He has the same face as my CJ. Awww!! If they were the same color they could be twins. CJ is tan and his dad as you can see is brindle. What a sweet picture! He looks like he is just posing for it!

Try taking [2008-10-02]
vitamin C 500 mg with the iron, it is supposed to help with the iron absorption and help with constipation and nausea as well. On top of being anemic, I also have psoriasis, so I have my hair falling out (including pubic, lol) and constantly looks like I have extremely dry skin on my face, ears and scalp.

Maybe you could rig that baby to [2008-10-02]
heat the house!

So instead of "stealing baby cows milk" [2008-09-28]
we are supposed to steal baby human's milk??? Hello?! If mommas in financial distress find out they can sell their breast milk rather than give it to their kid, they are going to do that! And like PETA said the breast is the best!

an 8 1/2 yo baby-sitting a 6 yo? [2008-09-20]
that seems really young, how long are they alone before the parents get home? Next summer I am considering letting my oldest who will be 14 baby-sit my youngest who will be 11 if i find a job outside the home, but even that makes me nervous. i'm sorry i don't have any good advice for you. if it were me, i would be tempted to take him to karate class or something so he could learn to open up a can on the brother if necessary

Fun. How about the legs on Gweneth!! Oh baby! No message [2008-09-19]
:)

If she wants to choose whether or not a baby results from sex [2008-09-16]
then she better choose to block that sperm from reaching the egg, because if it does, well then, a baby may very well result from sex. I mean, I understand when it's very, very early, but come on, abortion has really been taken way, way too far, to the point of murder of a full-fledged baby, and some people think, hey, that's okay, it's the mother's decision.

If he doesn't want an iPod, why are you getting it? [2008-12-04]
Is it your idea that he'd like one? A few years ago when iPods had just come out, my husband bought me one for my birthday. I didn't want one, and I he knew nothing about them. It sat in it's box for about a month, and then I finally used it. Well, that was it. I became addicted! I now think that the iPod is the greatest invention known to mankind. Heck, as far as I'm concerned, NASA could have saved the trouble of going to the moon, because the iPod is better. LOL! I'm just joking, but I really love my iPod. I eventually got a video iPod and I also have a shuffle. I like them both. I really enjoy podcasts, which are like radio shows produced on just about every subject you can imagine. I have enjoyed learning about new things and even taking Italian lessons on my iPod. I also download audio books along with music and travel videos. I like my shuffle because it has no moving parts. I take it on hikes and runs and use it when I work out. They are now about $50. They're very simple. You simply load the audio and the machine plays it for you. You can't select songs or see any info. The video iPod has way more features, and you can even watch full-length movies on it. I've also loaded photos and can carry those with me. Of course, it has all the audio features of music. My son has an iPod touch which he seems to like. He's an engineer, and he likes gadgets. LOL. The nano is still available, and they are a nice step in between the video iPOD/touch and the shuffle.

You're not a hopeless case! sm [2008-12-04]
Each day is a new beginning. Donvictor not you can get some help there. You are the victim. You are worth the effort. Some pills do cause nightmares, try Benadryl at night. I thus the need to relax, I understand, please don't give up. If you don't have a PCP, try a walk-in clinic or the pharmacist, you never know, they may have some good advice. Think of the $$$ you will save, use it to pamper yourself and your self-image will improve. You can do it, baby steps at a time. Remember, every day is a new start.

The Reason for the Season [2008-12-03]
T Holiday .Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and creditPushing folks down to the floor just to get it!CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-podSomething was changing, something quite odd!Retailers promoted Ramadan and KwanzaaIn hopes to sell books by Franken Fonda.As Targets were hanging their trees upside downAt Lowe it wonWinter Break under your Dream TreeSipping your Starbucks, listen to me.Choose your words carefully, choose what you sayShout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

My husband and I both smoke! [2008-12-03]
This January we have decided will be it. It is no longer socially acceptable. My excuse has always been that I am afraid to gain a lot of weight. My brother quit after 15 years (early 30s) and he used Chantix. He was a 3-pack a day smoker. Let me tell you, he is so much better. No coughing. After 6 years of trying to have a baby and failing in vitro; they have just had a baby this November. They both smoked/him worse. They are now both nonsmokers for over a year, have gained weight, but have such a blessing. He swears it was the smoking that caused the infertility. This pregnancy was the natural way and she We are all elated. I am especially proud of him and feel like such a wimp to continue to smoke knowing it is killing me. It makes me feel inferior to others. Thank God my brother is an encouraging soul and not one of those horrible ex-smokers who just won't let up or are worse than just plain nonsmokers. To the OP: These poster above is absolutely correct. My brother will vouge that everything in life is better now that he is a nonsmoker (i He says the Chantix worked and he is by no means a pill-taker at all. To the OP again: If you You are worth it! You can still smoke the first week on Chantix, but then the cravings will disappear. Believe me, I also enjoy the cigarette especially after eating but smoke a lot more when I I I hate the habit, but I love the cigarettes. See what I mean? It Whaddya say? E-mail me! To the Poster Above: Thank you for your kind comments as you've also just made me decide that quitting is the best and only option at this point. I had an aunt that died of ovarian cancer and never smoked or drank a day in her life. She was thin, always health conscious. Not all cancers including lung come from smoking. Keep that in mind as you strive to quit.

We went to my husband's aunt's house once... [2008-12-03]
and they were having a get together because his uncle was dying of lung cancer. In rolls his three sisters and brother, all with their oxygen tanks and cannulas that they would have to take off to have their cigarettes. I found it fairly ironic and that is when I decided to quit smoking. Not the cancer, not the emphysema, but the ridiculousness of seeing people who can't breath because of smoking taking off what helps them to breath so that they can smoke. At any rate, I am not sure that I really have a point, just something that is interesting to me.

Wicked stepmother?? [2008-12-02]
You just did this girl a huge favor by making her take responsibility for herself. I am not much older than she is, but I have been taking responsibility for decades...what is wrong with her, other than she seems totally incapable of managing her own life, can't make a decent adult choice to save her fanny and she has someone to constantly bale her out? I am GLAD you cut her off! I am proud of you for doing it too, it took guts. By helping her at every turn you simply encourage and enable her behavior. BRAVO!

You absolutely did the right thing! [2008-12-02]
I have a nephew who is turning 21 soon. This reminds me so much of him. His grandmother bails him out of trouble time and time again - but does he learn anything from his mistakes? Nope. Not one thing. It is a cycle that has to be broken. I only hope that it will be broken before he is also in his 40s like your stepdaughter. I am also a stepmom so I can understand your dilema there and the hurtful things that might be said, etc. But step or bio, everyone in my family knows my philosophy: I understand that everyone makes mistakes and slips up but when it comes to being in jail, hurting another family member, or taking advantage of someone - I won't participate in the least. Just know in your heart that you did the right thing for her in the long run. She can be mad, upset, maybe even make hurtful comments but if that's the case she can just as easily ask one of her bioparents as she can ask you.

My point exactly. He can afford it [2008-12-02]
and he should afford it. All the CEOs of all of these companies that are begging for handouts...this is what they should have to do. All these CEOs for these companies that aren't doing good...I think they should jump on the bandwagon here. They cut our pay or pay us next to nothing, because they say the companies are not doing well...but they are not taking paycuts or cutting bonuses for upper management.

I had my own store. Got a following almost became [2008-12-02]
But the fees added up so much that is listing fees,final value fees, that I made about 33% after paypal took their fees too. Then, I shipped all over the world too so I'd be sure to make sure the shipping costs were right or I would get burned there. Then, there became the people who would want their money back even if the listing said only store credit. Customer is always right. So, by the time you count the money I spent on the item to begin with (usually something I thought I would naturally make money on), the fees, the time spent taking pictures, the digital battery, etc. I had a gigantic loss this year. Plus, if you buy on e bay, you should watch your selling, because you just might spend all your profit, which comes out to about 5 to 10 bucks an hour. I loved doing it, don't get me wrong. I met people from all over the world. I sold a dress to the Prime Minister of a University in England, and other interesting people. I still have friends on there who are sellers too. But, I had to close down shop because the fees just got to be too much for me. I would rather sit and type and have free time doing artistic things and having hobbies. Some of my friends who have a following on e bay and have been selling for years range in the 25K a year range, and they have a business license, and charge state tax. Don't forget as well, you have to pay income tax just like any other IC job. Just was not worth it to me. Good luck to you.

I knew Dr. Oz would come in handy for something [2008-12-02]
He was on Oprah one day last season when they were taking questions from the audience and a woman stood up and asked about this. She said she gets a funky odor and some fluid in her belly button. (Standing up and admitting that had to take guts) Anyway, Dr. Oz said it was caused by some type of cyst under the naval and, while it isn't dangerous, needs to be checked by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. I can't remember what he said about getting rid of it.

These 10 things definitely ain't right: [2008-12-01]
1) MTSOs who want people with top-notch skills and experience, but don't want to pay them what that skill is worth. 2) HMO's: So-called *health-maintenance-organizations* --yet they spend every minute and every dime of their far-too-large profits on denying healthcare, meds and procedures to their patients. These organizations have ruined American healthcare, and many American lives. HMO's have been a con-game since their inception. 3) The Bailouts: Giving money to companies who can too bad for the rest of you.* Then the Big Three show up in DC to beg for a handout, and fly there in private Lear jets. My answer to them would be, *I too bad for the rest of you.* 4) Apartment managers that won't allow even a single quiet, well-behaved pet, but will rent to people with continually screaming small children, and out-of-control older children and teens. Give me the pets for neighbors, ANY day. 5) Businesses that give an age-discount to absolutely everything that walks, runs or flies, but not to the middle-aged middle-class, who need it the most. Take the ski-industry: Young children ski for next-to-nothing, and sometimes nothing. There is a Teen Discount. There is a Student Discount for college kids. There I'll probably never be old enough - it's a carrot-on-a-stick, always just out of reach.) There are even corporate (UGH) discounts. But for those in my age group, who barely make ends meet but like to go up once a year for a couple days of bliss, there is NOTHING. 6) Travel-lodging deals that are always based on double or quadruple occupancy. What about singles? NOTHING. 7) TV commercials that are about a million decibels louder than the regular shows. Why can't it all be the same volume? Same with online newscasts. THEIR commercials will blow your eardrums out if you aren't quick enough turning down the volume before they start. 8) Surround-sound: Everything is too loud, already! Why do we need it coming at us from 4 directions? Why do people living in tiny apartments feel they need it? I've lost count of how many fights I've had with neighbors over this issue. Same with movies and music concerts. Why do they feel we need to feel the music in our SPLEENS? I went to Universal Amphitheater last week. (Now named something else). There is actually a sign outside warning that the decibel level inside might damage your hearing! (?!?!?!) Why do they need this? (To avoid lawsuits, obviously). If it's so loud you have to post a warning sign outside the entrance, then DUH.... it's TOO LOUD! 9) Banks that charge you a fee to use their ATM. They (I haven't actually been INSIDE a bank in YEARS).... and they want to charge US for using the machines instead of the tellers? Forget it. I won't give those banks my business. 10) The Post Office: Talk about rewarding slow, inept performance! The worse their employees are, the longer they seem to stay there. I'd rather have a root canal than go to a P.O. during the holiday season.

e-bay [2008-12-01]
Since VR is taking the wind out of my income, I I live in an area with lots of retirees who might want to sell some things, but mightbe a little computer-phobic. Does anyone do this or know of anyone else who does it and whether it might be a lucrative business or a train wreck waiting to happen? Also, would a business license be required? Thanks for any input or opinions.

Unless things have changed [2008-11-30]
As far as I know, you have to have a converter box, if you don't have a HDTV TV. You can't use a DVD or VCR player for a converter. Maybe what they meant, is if you need a converter box, and don't have one, the only way you can watch your TV, is using a DVD or VCR player, playing the DVD discs, or VCR tapes. I have bought 5 converter boxes, ending up taking two back. First one I got was a Magnovox, and I didnt' like it. My antennas wouldn't fit it. I took it back and exchanged it for a RCA one. I couldn't get my money back, with the coupon, so, had to exchange it, and am stuck with the RCA one. It works OK. Not great. Then I reviewed and found the TiVax was recommended. I got it. I liked it, till I got a DVT Pal today. It is better than any of them i have tried. I traded a Zenith for it, didnt' like the Zenith. My antennas wouldn't fit it, either. So I took the Zenith back, got the DVT Pal. The Pal is the only one , so far, that I have gotten 4 stations. The others I have only gotten 2. With the ZEnith, I got none. I think I'll stay with the DVT Pal. I have one more coupon left.

I've read the same thing about bathing dogs. sm [2008-11-30]
I have a Sheltie, and the Sheltie book recommends bathing when s/he gets very dirty or before a show. They don't need routine bathing. They need frequent brushing which removes dirt. Some dog breeds don't have oily coats, so don't smell. Sheltie is one of them, a collie is probably the same. I recommend taking Maggie to the groomer for a good brushing every other week or so. It would be good for Maggie's coat and skin. The groomer can advise you when she needs a bath.

Silly Girl shouldn't have to treat her [2008-11-30]
husband like a dog or a child. After all, she is his wife, not his mother. If she wants a pet, she can go to the animal shelter and get a dog. She married a man and he needs to act like one. It sounds like she gives and gives, and he takes. I think Silly Girl should start taking care of herself for a change.

we don't exchange gifts either [2008-11-29]
We stopped exchanging gifts about 30 years ago. When my husband and I first approached the subject, we met with some resistance, but we stood our ground and said we would not be buying gifts. My husband is the oldest in a family of 7. By the time they all married and had children, the number could have been quite staggering to buy for. I was a surprise baby, my sisters being greater than 11 years older than I am, so when they began their families I was too young to buy anything to buy for them and so never started doing so. Now both of our families agree the holidays are much more enjoyable without the stress of the gift buying, worrying about what to get, how much, will the like it, can I afford it, etc., etc. The true gift of Christmas is the love we feel for our families and all we ask is time with them, and everyone agrees on this. We usually bake or take small treats to the families are who have misfortune of spending Christmas at the Ronald McDonald House in our city due to the illness of a child. Often the other kids in the family (the healthy ones) get lost in the shuffle of caring for a child with cancer. There is no gift one can give as great as giving and bringing joy to a family in such a situation. Anyway, my point is that there may be others in the family who will feel the same way, that it is just too stressful, and you may find that they will appreciate the holidays much more if the gift stress is taken out of the equation. I should add here, I do buy something for my own children but usually one or two things and my grandchildren because, after all, Santa still comes (!) and I do think Christmas gift giving is for children. Watching my little ones open is a gift a truly a fun thing to do and makes me happy. I do ask my kids not to buy for me or my husband because they have young families and can't afford the extra money. I have always told them I would rather they spend time with me any day then go out and buy a gift.

I'm terrible at guessing sizes, myself...sm [2008-11-28]
I know it seems impersonal to a lot of people, but if you can't figure out her size, how about a gift certificate? I always ended up taking clothes back whenever I got them for Xmas...and I learned to appreciate the gift certificates, that way I could pick out what I really wanted myself....just a thought, though.....

Boy men are such children - sm [2008-11-26]
my DH is a j*e*r*k like that too sometimes. He refuses to stay at my dad's house because he re-married so quickly after my mom died. (he wants to stay in hotel--which is very expensive where they live--....though we have not done it yet because as yet he has refused to go, so I go w/o him and the kids and I have lots of fun--he did go once 2 years ago though he made us stay at a friends apartment, very silly). There is more to it than that but that is a big part of it, and he thinks my stepmom's family thinks he is a loser. He is hung up on what people think about him and imagines slights, looks, etc. all the time, very hard to live with. But he know I will leave him in the dust and do what I want as he is acting like a 2-year-old. I would just go and not worry about him acting like a baby. If you stay home with him you will be mad, resent him for making you miss out spending time with your mom (which you will regret if something happened to her any time soon), and probably have a boring day at home while he watched football all day and you cook or twiddle your thumbs. He will probably never be the bigger person and bite his tongue and go, though he should. Men really are babies though at times.

thank you! [2008-11-26]
but no sex when he first gets home. It will be just a couple of weeks after the baby is born, but I am just looking forward to not sleeping alone!!!

If the store is still open.... [2008-11-26]
If you have a big platter or can get a throw-away one, make a nice cheese and cracker platter and put a bowl of grapes in the middle, that way youScoops with salsa. Just happen to have them in your trunk. Hurry up, it's getting late, maybe the drug store is open or a 711.

I'm with the other mother... [2008-11-25]
If you don't like your grandkids, don't baby sit. I have a child, whom I think is wonderful. I resent anyone telling me that I am not parenting the way they would. You raised your kids and it is time to let your daughter do the same. I am sure that she is not trying to ruin her children. How would you have felt if this criticism were coming to you instead of from you?

That's really petty [2008-11-25]
I did sympathize with your plight until now. The idea of now taking something of his and hiding it is about as childish as humanly possible. I assume you want this disagreement to last well into 2009 and, at the same time, apparently you don't care if your marriage DOESN'T last through 2009.

What a wonderful person you are [2008-11-25]
To think about taking in and caring for animals the way you do. I'm the same exact way. I saw you had 2 Maine coons. I take it you live in the state of Maine? If so, I love it there. I grew up in CT. Anyway... please, please, please go get him or her. With the winter coming I'd hate to think of any animal outside in the cold. Your deck would provide shelter for the harsh winter, and you said you'd provide food, a warm place to lseep and vet care. That is so wonderful and what makes you a wonderful person. You know you have 4 inside cats, so what's another one. Cats are a bundle of joy. I wish our cat would get along with other cats, but she doesn't. She was abandoned and we took her in (or rather she adopted us). If you have cats already I'm sure your husband is a very kind person and cares deeply too and I'm sure he wouldn't mind just one more little kitty. For your own conscious and well being I would take the kitty in. Otherwise you will always worry about her/him all the time and wonder if he's cold or hungry and what is happening to him. P.S. - my dad took in stray cats and he ended up with 24 cats (mostly outside). He said there was no way he would ever consciously let a cat suffer from the cold or be hungry or lonely. Over time some coyotes got some and now he is down to 7 cats and he loves them all.

About tatting sm [2008-11-24]
I tried to learn as kid and I just didn't get it. The gal who tried to teach me was very good and got me interested, but I could not get it. It is very like making a fishing net. Those little knots have to be just so or you end up with a knot. I have done that more times than I can tell you. I had a neighbor who handed me a can before she moved. In the can was a shuttle and some tatting thread. She says to me TO ME! LOL I'll bet you don't know what that is. As it happens, she didn't know what it was! I picked it up and said bet I do...and started to tat. By the time I was in high school, I could TAT pretty well. I made a couple of blouses for work that had Peter Pan collars. One was baby pink, the other baby blue. I embroidered on the collar and then tatted enough matching lace for the edges. I loved those and wore them a very long time. I wish I had time to make another one in white, but most of my efforts going into sewing for others. I have 15 pr of boxers on my sewing table for my son who won't wear anything else...as in he hates store bought boxers. He is married and should grow up, but he won't until I am gone and can't do it for him any longer. Right now, I have a soft sheer crepe that I am making into a wedding dress for my daughter. They are going to the JP in January before he deploys and we'll do the first ceremony. When he returns they will get married by a lake in Minnesota. He wants to build a pontoon with his dad and get married on the pontoon at sunset. We'll do her wedding gown next summer. Both dresses have to be baby pink and please don't ask! She gets what she wants, it is her day(s).

I love cross stitch, to look at. I don't see well enough to do it myself sm [2008-11-24]
but I sure think it is pretty and there are several things I would love to have for my house. I could translate them into English smocking, which I can well, and put them up. I have a couple of Pullen pleaters and that helps. I have a baby dress for my mom's reborn doll I am doing right now and she wants that smocked.