Thanks Sylvia and Sally, This is a large organization that I know does do a lot of good. Apparently, they do more in the area they accustomed to working in. I can understand if they don't have members in our area and the volunteers are reluctant (or whiney) about the drive. We won't be requesting a refund or publicizing this because we don't want to harm the good they are doing elsewhere. The lady (Judy, a volunteer from the organization) who came when we rounded up the kittens a month or so ago came today and picked up Cookies. He will be tested for leukemia and feline aids then vaccinated and, a little later, neutered. During this time he will be living with a foster mom. Then he will go with the rest of the kittens to a PetSmart in Richardson. Adopters must agree that the cats will be indoor cats and that if for some reason, at any time things are not working out, the cat must be returned to the organization and not just given away or "thrown" out. I understand that the adoption fee at PS is around 125.00. Hopefully if someone is going to pay that much for a cat, they will give it a wonderful home (considering the number of free kitten ads they could have chosen from). I told myself I wouldn't do it, but I cried. Just couldn't help it and can't help it now. Barb, Candy and I discussed this morning with Judy the possibilities of us doing it all on our own. She volunteered her help and traps and we will be contacting the organization to get their approval which we will need in order to work with the local veterinarian (free spaying and neutering) and our local PetSmart who won't accept animals from individuals. Anyhow, thanks all for your advice and help. I know Cookies will be fine and find a great home, but I need a tissue right now. Take care, Kristi

Thanks so much for this info. Happyladi, that is SO helpful! I like to hear of first-hand reports from someone who has actually had the ReStor lenses. On the web, I have found more comments of dissatisfied results than good ones, although I think people tend to report back more if they are unhappy. I guess millions of people have accommodated to reading glasses, so I can, too. All my life I have had to contend with my nearsightedness. My array of eyewear is mind boggling. Regular glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, readers for over the contact lenses and regular sunglasses for over the contact lenses. Plus, carrying contact lens solution, lens container and my regular glasses just in case I need then while wearing my contacts. I had to wear contacts while skiing because the goggles didn't fit over my glasses. On the other hand, when snorkeling the water magnifies things so I could see fine without glasses. Of course, I had to have glasses handy for when I got out of the water!! For those of you with good eyesight, count your blessings!

Redo -- I'm so happy to hear that you are redoing your game plan, getting back on the horse and going for your new kitchen! With that fabulous DIY team you are assembling, I bet your kitchen will end up being a true winner on these pages -- and in your lives, of course. :) Honestly, every time I saw your thread with the words, "no more kitchen for me," I felt a pang of disappointment. It seemed to channel for me all the letdowns and reversals I have suffered with my own reno (although none of those equaled the loss of $15k by a pair of thieves!) Now, to see your thread, entitled "here we go again," gives me great joy and inspiration. You go! You can do it! And never forget that we're all pulling for you!

Well, I did what Ken says not to do...I went tromping through some of the backyard, gathered up the HOSTA pots that came out easily amongst the snow...and lined them up along the north side of the house. BUT I only tromped on snow packed down. Ground still frozen. I just had to gather up the pots so I'd have something to "play with" without having to walk on thawing lawn. Then I went to the sides, "poked" around (lifted dead hosta vegetation but put back down) and I found signs of life! One green pip on one (one of four) of Doug Beilstein's streakers! Blue Cadet pips, real low to ground, but dark and shining! Plantaginea pips coming along the fastest! Things are finally happening here in one part of Ontario, zone 5! WooHoo!!!!! Jo