It is never too late to start saving hosta tags because there will always be more to collect. My garden is an outlet for me to relax even though it can be a lot of hard work. As long as you get enjoyment from it, that is all that matters. My hostas give me the calming effect as well. That is as long as they are thriving. When you see one go downhill or getting shredded by slugs or another critter it can get a little frustrating. You get to see something new everyday if you look close enough. A little walk through the garden can come with a feeling of satistfaction and pride no matter how large or small a garden is. I move hosta at any time of the year if it isn't happy or if I just want to do something different. I just moved one over about 12" last week because it needed a little more room to grow. It was new last fall. I took the opportunity to divide it into multiple plants while I had it out of the ground. A young Paul's Glory that had three plants. I put one back in the new position and potted the other two up. One to give my sister who never knows their names and one for trading. There is a thread on moving large fully leafed out hostas while having the leaves tied up. I do pretty much the same thing when moving minis. You will find me out in the garden tying up little bity hostas with twine for a week until they can hold themselves up on their own. My great big monster hands holding and tying up little hostas while being as careful as possible not to break any leaf stems. Only another gardener will understand why you get so much from your garden. Friends and family don't quite get it unless they are bitten by the hosta bug.

Busy, busy days so I couldn't get here for an update - better late than never, right? What a difference 24 hours can make. For starters, Ross seems to have gotten a much better night's sleep (no racing thoughts) and that alone will start a day with a better perspective. He texted me first thing Friday to say that he's put a lot of things together in his mind and has a better understanding of why he 'crashed' and feels more in control, at least in the context of the program he's in. Two days ago he wanted to bail but last night he felt empowered to stay, glean what he can, and let go of feeling inadequate for the program - most of the students are feeling the same way. We've spoken a few times since but between his 18 hour days and the time difference, we don't have a chance to get into long conversations. He sounds so much better, though and I can breathe a bit again. He's coming home the day after the program ends, will have a week here with us and his cousins/my nieces and their kids. It's an interesting dynamic because there's a 1/2 step generation difference - my nieces are like my little sisters and his older sisters at the same time. I've been speaking with my middle niece who has dealt with anxiety issues and she will be great council for Ross. He has really isolated himself at college by choosing the location he did and much as he loves the place, the mountains, the snowboarding, it seems he is feeling the distance as he comes to the end of his college years. And I really think the state of the world, economy and job market are weighing heavily on him. It's damn scary to think about having to launch yourself at this time - I feel so sorry for all of our kids! But coming home will let him see what a large and varied support system he has - just wish his brother could be here also. We'll be doing some research to find a good medical fit for him at school. He has a horrendous fall schedule between classes, labs and research so I know going in he's going resist carving out time for regular sessions if that's needed. With his background, he's been 'therapied' up one side and down the other but maybe he's ready to approach it from the standpoint of an adult in control of the choices as opposed to a child being directed by mom and dad. I appreciate every perspective given here and don't want anyone to think their words were misplaced. In my mind, any information is good information and it's always in my power to sift through and use what fits. Or not. I think the internet can be a great place for advice but it's only a first step, nothing more - no expectations for instant cures. Chickadee I don't know the program you're referring to but there are no guarantees with this one so doesn't seem to be the same. Again, way too long! Thank you all for your comments and support. When I know more, you'll know more.

"And if you google pilates for sciatica you can find exercises to try at home." "Another important factor is getting or keeping weight off the stomach, and strengthening the stomach muscles. A big belly with weak muscles can put a lot of stress on the spine." I have had one bout of sciatica that came on suddenly and was incredibly painful-quoted the above insights because what has worked for me is Pilates. I was taking group lessons and when the trainer went out on her own I followed her. She is very good at getting me to move and stretch past what I would do on my own without straining or overdoing it; Pilates of course is also all about strengthening one's core muscles and I've not had any more sciatic problems. Thank goodness for that, it was one of the most excruciating pains I've ever experienced. Ann

EllenP123 , I have been mulling over what to post since I read the above last week. I am sure you did not intend it to be humerus but I laughed reading that you" went to bed 49 and woke up 100". I have been struggling with horrific leg pain for over two years. I daily think holy moly how in the world do people with chronic pain function.Although I have been dealing with my leg pain for months I am not going to categorized it as chronic. My first reaction to my leg pain was to see an ortho specialist who dx the leg pain as stress fractures since I had carried over 900 pieces of granite over a two week period. Yup I counted them. The M.D. gave me a few packets of celebrex that was given to him by the pharmaceutical sales rep. I told the Doctor I am allergic to Aleeve. Alleeve makes me swell and I gained five pounds after three doses. I was smart and had removed my wedding band . It took a good week to reduce the swelling since Alleve has a long half life. Those who are allergic to aleeve are recommended not to take celebrex. I questioned the Medical Doctor who assured me I was misinformed. I took one dose on the way home since the leg pain was horrific. Within two hours I was a mess. It felt as someone was squeezing my heart. I did not need to be hospitalized but monitored . I no longer take Motrin since this is a sister NSAID of celebrex and Aleeve. My point is there are some majorly hubris doctors out there who screw up at your expense. I have had a few nights where I cry cause the leg pain is horrible. No position soothes the ache . I have tried rest, aspirin, warm soaks, ice packs, massage therapy,accupuncture and a dose of darvocet . I came across a book a few years ago about how the body is aligned in two parts. While attempting to find a position to relieve the pain I massaged my toes, foot pad, achilles tendon, tibia ,fibula, knee,thigh, hip ,butt and lower back with a tennis ball. What I figured out is that the pain is in my knee area but when I massage the upper thigh and achilles the pain goes away. A few years a go I had tennis elbow from shoveling the driveway for five hours. When I massaged the shoulder blade and my pectoral muscle the elbow pain disappeared. Pain is not simple . One must identify the source. For me the pain is due to overused muscles and menopause. I am tiny but can llft 60 pounds with ease. If you gave me 62 lbs I balk. I think for some the pain we are experiencing is the lose of estrogen so our tendons get brittle. I too went to bed feeling great and awoke with the crippling pain. What i found that works is to take care of yourself. Take breaks when doing your chores. Swim. Stay active. Place down pillows under your hip and knees at night. Take calcium with magnesium DAILY eat bananas three times a week. The potassium helps with any cramps MAssage your legs from toes to butt with a rolling pin or tennis ball. Make sure you stretch the ham strings( the rear thigh leg muscles). So after two years of several medical visits, accupuncture treatments and masseuse visits for me I figured out what works for me. Some who go into menopause never experience leg pain whereas others are crippled. I was 45 when the periods stopped. My male ob gyn said this was impossible. Sorry but not everyone is a text book case. I have had some wonderful male physicians but at this point in my life I need someone who is informed on a women's life cycle. THe key is to enjoy life. Drink the coffee if it makes you feel good. You will need to experiment with your diet , and supplements. I found that black cohosh did squat. Eating the bananas and religiously taking my calcium with Mg helps. You are not alone. Pilates helped too!!!!!! My mind is racing since I need to get my chores done. A sip of wine at night helps some. For me a little rhum took the pain down a notch. My best solution is the stretcthing and staying active. I am still in pain at times but I can manage it.