I don't know where you're located, but it looks like one of paperbark elms (ulmus parviflora) that are becoming invasive weeds in my area.

Agnes---when I say walk---it sounds like wall-k--- good grief; woman---you're tall-king about 'L' words and I'm back in the old days listening to '50's music on our PBS station!!! We used to hear them on Lawrence Well-k, also!!! Guffaw! You know, I'm hardly ever lonely---too busy---but this music reminds me of youthful days---I'm going to call up my former hubby and have a chat---he remembers everything about every war, every administration, evry newsy piece, all the old town happenings. I'll just zone out for awhile as he just chats away! If I had a fella these days, all I'd want to do is go for rides in his PU with a nice fresh cup of coffee---he can talk and drive, or just drive---it doesn't matter; I just want to go for a ride down the road in a PU! ----now, aren't you sorry you asked if 'L's were pronounced?

Hey Debbie: Something nice did happen for me...I finally took a big step forward. I asked my sister to take my mom overnight and she did. She picked mom up Saturday around 4p. My DH and I went out for a very nice dinner and had the evening and most of Sunday to ourselves, something we haven't had in 7 months. My mom did great...no problems whatsover! I have been so concerned about doing this, because her doctor warned me about having her sleep anywhere but home...because of the AD, which can sometimes really set off a bad state of confusion, agitation, sleepless night, etc. None of that happened. I sent along mom's pillow, and her clock radio (that she listens to before going to sleep). I also wrote a two page note to my sister telling her mom's usual schedule, what she needs help with, etc. We couldn't have asked for it to work any better. When we got to my sister's yesterday afternoon, mom was all smiles and asked how our evening was. She never once complained or tried to make me feel guilty...unbelievable... Now, for the "bad" news...nothing to do with mom...I was playing with one of our dogs Thurs night...he's a beautiful Golden Retriever, almost 2 years old with TONS of energy. He loves to play tug of war with his tug toys and we were playing, as usual....he's very very strong and was tugging away and managed to pull something in my shoulder...I believe it is my rotator cuff...of course, in my right shoulder (I am right handed)...so...I've been dealing with some really bad pain in my shoulder...I guess there's always the bad with the good, huh? I'm so glad to hear Al got out 3 times...how has he been feeling? Hope you are doing well, as well as everyone else here...take care, Mimi

I agree with springer and greg above. We have hardwood everywhere except bedrooms and bathrooms. Maintenance has been so much easier with the hardwood compared to all the carpet in the last house. Sounds like you are using multiple methods of "sweeping" and it's exhausting you. Swiffer makes a vacuum & swiffer in one for hardfloors called a Swiffer Sweeper-Vac. It's all you need for quick & easy daily floor cleanup. Usually I don't even use the Swiffer-Vac daily except for under the kids seats at the island and at the entry). I break out my O-Cedar Spray mop once a week or so for a quick damp mop after using the swiffer-vac. I fill the spray reservoir with Bona Hardwood cleaner. That would take your multi-step process to a single process/tool on a frequent basis (odds are as often as you would pull out the vacuum) + a second tool on a weekly (or so) basis. You will definitely reduce your cleaning time and your frustration level. Hope this helps!