You are all so wonderful, thank you for all your support, caring, and prayers. It truly does mean allot to us. I'll make sure to remember about "crying in the shower" and I'm taking Jeanne's little message to heart for sure. I didn't learn much new yesterday--but was very upset by the way the doctor presented information to me. I'm not ignorant and I've done some research--what I wanted was ways to cope with where we are now and suggestions on preparing for future changes and how best to help DH. What I got was a whispered "doom and gloom" dialoge which excluded my DH almost completely. Looking back, I should have stopped her asked for our copies of the papers and gone home and waited to discuss them with his regular doctor. On top of that, the paperwork was obviously a form already on her computer and used for other patients because one section says "her" repeatedly because she obviously forgot to change that part to "him". I guess I am naive to expect paperwork specifically prepared for DH. I hope the test results will be helpful to our doctor in some way, but right now I feel like they were a waste of our time! Oops! Sorry--guess I just needed to vent. I am learning as I go, but I now realize that my job is to care for and protect my DH in every way I can----even if it is from rude, inconsiderate specialists! Enough said--on with the fun decorating that I love. We'd better hurry, Valentine's will soon be here! Thanks for your caring and comforting words everyone, thanks for being there during my "meltdown". Today is a new day and "what doesn't kill us just makes us stronger", right? Luvs

My friends joined a CSA in VA and had a similar disappointing experience--poor quality, low amounts, etc. They moved, so not sure if it ever got resolved. There are CSAs and there are CSAs. I know of one locally that is very popular with the owners/customers. There are issues with growing organic--the produce will not be as plentiful, big or as blemish free as conventional--BUT, there are also issues with how soon you get stuff to your customers too! Also, I know some CSAs sell their produce for top dollar at the farm markets and give what doesn't sell or the "seconds" to their share holders. Bear in mind, it's very hard to make a living in agriculture. Since you are in effect a part "owner" of a CSA, I think it would be a good place to start by having a discussion with the managment. But I'd wait a little while to see if things pick up. Growing great vegetables is a rare art as well as difficult science. A good CSA will educate their shareholders on what is going on in their fields.

"has to balance what's best for him and best for you. And sometimes they just aren't going to work. IMO, childs needs come first." See, this is interesting. I think what is so interesting and diverse about this forum (or even when talking to friends in RL) is that EVERYONE is going to have their own opinion; and that opinion is one we have formed based on our own experiences and perspectives. Nivea, you were treated in a really cruel and hurtful manner by your SM, correct? (or am I mixing you up with another poster?) I believe it was you. Anyway, naturally, you are more inclined to empathize and identify with the child (stepchild) and perhaps even project a bit of your own feelings; and that's normal, we ALL do that. Just as I am more likely to identify with someone like Ima or Lamom or Silver, someone who is a SM dealing with difficult situations. Anyway, I know what you mean about the child needing to come first; but I think you are saying this out of your own experiences, which included being emotionally hurt by your cruel and emotionally immature SM who insisted HER needs come first. Correct? That is awful that happened and it's sad that your father allowed you to be pushed aside. (And please correct me if I am mixing up your history with someone else.) Our situation is a little different in that DH had continually made the mistake of doing things to harm our marriage---all under the guise of "it's best for SS." But a lot of what he was doing wasn't even really best for SS. DH wanted me to smooth things over and be nice to BM, even after she attacked me in front of SS. Sure, it might be superficially easier for SS if everything seemed hunky-dory again. But in the long run, what lesson is that teaching him? That violence is acceptable? That it's okay for his mom to behave like that and I will just pretend that everything is okay? Those aren't lessons I want SS or DD learning. So sometimes what IS best for SS isn't necessarily what one might think at face value. Sure, it would be more *pleasant* for him in the short term, but in the long run, I think it does more harm than good. (I don't think this particular weekend issue is even really about anything being "best" for SS, though.) And one thing our marriage counselor has been helping both of us see is that sometimes what's best for the marriage has to come first. And I will say this with 100% conviction: it would NOT be in SS's best interest for DH and I to divorce. Not at all. That would be one of the worst things that could happen for both him and my DD. I may be "just a stepmother" to him but I have been a positive and caring person in his life for almost 7 years. He views my daughter as his sister. He genuinely loves our family and feels a TOTAL part of our family unit...because he is! We are not just some people he spends a few days a month with, he has two families and we are one of them! If that unit were to dissolve, it would honestly devastate SS. It would devastate my DD, as well, but I really think it would be worse on SS. He is very sensitive to these things, and he is the type of child that turns his upsets inward. I know if he were to lose his family, it would really impact him negatively in an emotional sense. So in marriage counseling, one thing DH is having to focus on is sorting out when SS's needs really DO come first, and when it's just BM manipulating "in the name of their son." Obviously, there are times that the child's needs have to come first---heck, that is 95% of parenting! But it is my belief that this is not one of those times. SS's mom is doing well and there is no reason he can't be with her.

Thanks, that was what I wanted to hear! They are huge beautiful Elberta peaches so I will try & wait maybe a couple more days (keep a watch on the birds on them though!) & the pick all of them & lay them on newspapers in the garage. Should they be kept in the dark or by a window? Will try & keep any left-overs that seem to be pretty much ripened in the refr., then..... peach cobbler?! :) Sure wish someone had invented a netting easier to use!