Yeah, Jan, makes me wish I knew how to rollerblade (better) too! I'm really kind of rusty (and very wary after that serious accident ten years ago), hence, all the protective gear. I might replace my (circa 1992) blades if I can find some with better braking technology. Surely they've improved by now? In the meantime, I just slow down by going in the grass. I haven't allowed the kids to do it because it does take a good deal of attention to detail to ensure that there's no slack in the rope so Izzy doesn't get tangled in it and get hurt, and to deal with her occasional tendency to run next to and behind me. Also, I have to be 100% certain they'd choose to crash before they bladed into my dog. None of my young playmates are coordinated enough to accept this amount of responsibility... yet. Andie, nah. Though I've seen him do it, I was really just looking for another way to harness Izzy's desire to pull. My summertime choices were bike and blade. (Pulling small kids in a wagon leaves too much opportunity for the wagon to crash into her unless I owned a different harness set up, and I don't think she's big enough for this.) I've done both with my whippet in the 90's, but one time I had my whippet run next to me while I rode my bike on a blacktopped trail and he tore up his foot pads pretty badly in the process... so I nixed that idea pretty quick. I'll never allow a dog to hurt themselves like that ever again... The nice thing about the tow rope is... if she goes in a really stupid direction, I can always let go and she comes back to me... also, it's long enough that I can accommodate for a direction change, but still keep her close enough to ensure her safety... It's a learning process for both of us, but we're learning to work as a team.

Before lizzard had even suggested the LL Bean pants, I had ordered them! And happy to report that they are fantastic. I actually had to order a size smaller because they were too big (love when that happens!). I also ordered a chino skirt from LLB that I'm very happy with. Finally, in my Zappos shipment, I received a skirt and casual dress from Horny Toad that I loooove. Both are in a jersey fabric that somehow does not cling to my less-favorable parts. And both are in a charcoal gray color that is nice, a little different from the usual black. For me, this process works better than the mall. I had free shipping from LLB, and I can return my rejects to the store about 15 minutes from here. Zappos is free shipping and returns. Still waiting for the cropped chinos I ordered from Garnet Hill... (Yes, I went on a bit of a spree!)

If it is just 1-2 times a day, everyday, Or 1-2 times a week? If it is a power war DON'T PLAY. Tell her before you do what ever it is you decide to do, but when you decide be consistant! If she is just not going to the bathroom and wets during play then no choice! She gets up NOW and changes and may lose time, not forever just for now or today, with what ever she is doing. After all it made it so she did not make it to the bathroom. Be carefull not to be confrontational, just very matter of fact type voice, about it. Unless there is some physical thing going on she will quickly figure out staying dry means more time with what ever it is she is doing. Tell her when she is dry and really working hard at something that as long as she is dry you don't have to interupt her to change. Praise a lot! Set a timer when you know it is a time that she usually has her accidents. Maybe work out a regular schdule. Like before going outside and before she plays with (what ever) she is to try. Tell her when the timer goes off she is to go to the bathroom and try, until then she is done with her game work or? when she comes back she can return to her game work or? Give her a goal to reach so that you don't have to do these new rules forever, like 2 weeks dry or something along those lines. I would never say these hard rules to a 3 yr old, but she is almost 5 and is able to use the bathroom other times and if it is a power struggle these put the control squarly on her shoulders. Because You won't argue or change these rules until she does. It sounds harsh, and thats not the tone I am saying for you to take. That is why I said to have a plan and let her know that this is what is going to happen. Don't argue or anything like that just do the plan and move on. JUST MATTER OF FACT NO SILLIES TYPE VOICE. Just like 'ya have to wear a coat outside when it is freezing' type thing. Or 'no it is 95 outside you can not wear your snow suit to the swimming pool.'

My husband asked me recently do I own a dress. No I don't. After losing all my clothes in the flood I have been rebuilding my wardrobe. I have no need for a dress. I do have a couple of skorts from Costco but I don't know if I have ever worn them. Most of my days are spent indoors at home. I prefer comfortable clothes so leggings, yoga pants and capris, and bike shorts in summer with Tshirts and long tunic tops are my favorites. When I am cold it's sweats and fleece. I bought several items from 32 Degrees during the sale including the down coat and vest. Luckily here in Houston area we don't have a long winter but it has been colder for a few years. I found some pants for my husband on Amazon they are ripstop have a lot of pockets and fit beautifully. He loves them I bought every color and it's become his every day pants. He gets asked about them often. The brand is Clothin. While dealing with the broken leg and boot I have been wearing spandex capris.