I had no idea you parcel the quotes out like that!!!! But Vicki should please do a real doozy, cause June 24th is my 50th birthday, and I'm looking forward to something pithy. Batya from Haifa

I'm back....from San Diego, Trade Show He&& and just a generally busy life! QOD: If I am being good...almonds and if I am out of control and really stressed...something sweet...I LOVE Peanut M & M's and I cannot buy them or I WILL eat them.. I had a wonderful time in San Diego with my oldest DS. He is every mothers dream...I am truely blessed with my kids. I haven't had a real vacation in sometime so this was awesome. My laptop crashed right before I left and I had to send it back to Apple. It was probably a good thing because then I couldn't work. I checked email once a day and had my cell if anyone needed me. We ate out ( Mexican ( SANGRIA) Sushi, Steaks), relaxed, and my son took me shopping at Nordstrom. He said ' mom you have bought me so much in my life that it is my turn to treat you'. THREE PAIRS OF SHOES LATER....LOLOL.. I love his girlfriend and I think that they will get married in the next two years. I would be thrilled to be her MIL. She and I get along really well. I was wearing a new pair of Dr. Scholl sandals and after walking all day..I took them off and there was a huge blister. She said ' you are not wearing those anymore today' and promptly gave me her flip flops to wear. She wore the Dr. Scholls. Remember those and how cool they were...forget that...I am getting rid of them. I came back to bedlam at the office. We had to get ready for a trade show that went on this week. I am so tired and I think my cheeks are in a permanant smile. The trade show we were at is called Mac Design. Our booth was crowded the whole time. I think that we will have a good response from the show. I had several companies that wanted to have us use their products. People kept telling us what a great booth we had. If I get pictures I will send them to Marci to put up on the site.. I have also been busy with softball and my DD. I think I told you all that she is playing Varsity ball. Her team is has won regionals which has never happened at her school. We are now in the sectionals. It is so exciting to watch how these girls play. I don't think I have any nails left. Our next game is on Saturday. Raeanne: As far as I know...I will be in town. I don't think we are going to CA for that wedding. Email me further info...hotels and times at such! I so want to me you. MY DD will be playing in a softball tournament that whole weekend so my hours will be varied but if there is a will there is a way and I have to eat sometime and I would love to share a 'drink' with you! Marci: I haven't bought the newest book...But I will this weekend. I have had no time to do much...I think I told you that I loved the one you sent me. It was a great story. Also Marci, there is NOTHING better than a pedicure in my world. Your feet will be in heaven. Besh: Thank you over and over for recommending Jodi Picoult. I know Marci and I have throughly enjoyed her books. She really gets you caught up in the story. My mom is now hooked on her too. BJ: When do you leave and who is taking care of your house while you are gone? NHSuzanne: I read about your riding the Tennesee Walker. DOn't you just love that ride? Could the ride be any smoother? My neighbor in CA had two of those and we had a great time riding those together. The horse never break and just keep walking at a very fast pace. I loved riding them. Dee Marie: You are so awesome and have amazing willpower. 22LBS...:::clap clap clap:::: Maddie: Hello??? come back and share your trip with us. Amy: So glad you have a keyboard again. I think it is great that your family is coming to visit. Have a wonderful visit. They will be jealous of your tropical paradise. I know I am. OK THIS MIA CHECKED IN!!!!!!! ALL YOU OTHERS GET BACK IN HERE OR AT LEAST EMAIL ONE OF US TO LET US KNOW YOU ARE ALIVE!!! Gretchen Here is a link that might be useful: What I have been up to this week

I finished the string quilt yesterday, binding and all. I'm now putting together some log cabin blocks with some leftover flannels from that and from my stash. I've been a very good girl with using up a lot of my stash on the last two projects. I still have lots left, though, thank heavens with the cotton going so high. Got the air conditioner replaced last Wednesday so no excuse that it's too hot to sew. Now I have to stay home all day Tuesday for County inspection because they refuse to say when they will be here. This is how the government treats it's employers, us, the tax payers.

Try finding an HVAC contractor who will do something other than roll his or her eyes, either in your presence or later, when you complain that you can't cool a room to 65 degrees. Why might that be? They'll probably suggest a mini split and be happy to sell you the project, whether needed or not. "studies consistently show ....." My life experiences consistently show that people who think they know more than the experts they hire and have an attitude of entitlement for what they think they should have, sleep less well and are much less happy in their lives than people whose expectations are more reasonable, less self-possessed and more easily achieved. If your son likes sleeping in a cold room, there are plenty of places with a cold climate he can move to. Or, set a good example for him as a father who teaches life skills, suggest he get his own home and work it out himself.