Pete: Below are a couple of websites to consider when you are looking. I'll ask around the office regarding independent living facilities in the area. The only one I know of like you are describing is closer downtown on the west side (it's at Mesa and Spicewood Springs). I've known of a couple of people whose mothers were there and both were satisfied with the care received (they required some kind of minimal assistance -- medication, etc., but were otherwise independent). The first one was there over 10 years ago and the second one passed away a few years ago, so my info is a bit dated, but I still work with the daughter of the second one and I'll ask her if she considered any places closer to the northeast side. That's hilarious information about Tahitian. I don't doubt it for a minute. I bet that there will soon be more services for the elderly. There's now the Lakeside Hospital which is right next to Tahitian, so at least you don't have to go so far for minor emergencies. I understand they're building some sort of cancer facility next door, or something like that. Anyway, the more doctors living and working in the area will hopefully improve things. I know TV isn't any kind of Sun City (just that it was proposed as a retirement country club enclave at one point), as I currently live in TV (where all my neighbors in my cul de sac are retired except myself and one other). The further you get into the subdivison, the quieter it is. I used to live in Cedar Creek (near McKinney Roughs) on 9 acres and my place in TV is way quieter. Also, I now have an ironclad excuse to not come into the office on bad weather days, as there's no way I can get out of my cul de sac, let alone Tahitian Drive when there's ice on the road. Back when I lived in Cedar Creek I would still go in as the roads were all flat and not difficult to maneuver (I lived in Maine before Texas and so while I don't enjoy that kind of driving, it's a foreign concept to me to not go into work anyway). http://memberofthefamily.net/tx.htm http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Include/DataSection/Questions/SearchCriteria.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C6%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0amp;pagelist=Home&CookiesEnabledStatus=True Kerri

It does seem to come on with age to the person that simply doesn't get around as much. It's causes, like devorah posted, can be from a lot of things. Edema can be a little tricky so you really need to see your doctor about it. If you are taking any sort of medication, it could just need a change. Edema by itself, unless it gets VERY extreme, is not dangerous. But it can be an indication that something is just not right. Your doctor will probably tell you to cut out salt and high salt foods and to get more exercise. He may give you a diurectic, (commonly called water pills) If this doesn't help, he will look closer at the problem. He doesn't need to "see" it, but he does need to know that it is happening.

Hi, Don't be too discouraged, there are still some very good basic top loaders about. Kenmore and Whirlpool are still a pretty good buy. When you consider the volume of washers that are manufactured and sold, the failure rate of new machines within the first 5 years is in the low single digit percentile. Quality control is pretty good that way. Whilst a lot of concerns on this site are legitimate, they do not necessarily represent the broader consumer experience. Just remember that when you pay two or three hundred dollars for a washer, you are paying a very reasonable price. You can't expect the kind of construction quality that you got 20 or 30 years ago for the same cost. Yet, you may still be lucky enough to get a washer that might give you more than 10 years of trouble-free use. Top dollar doesn't guarantee longevity either and probably never has. Getting a machine that will go the distance and beyond depends on so many other variables besides construction quality. How a washer is used (or abused), where and how it is housed, whether or not it gets some regular basic maintenance and cleaning, to the quality of the water and detergent that are used in it, all these factors determine trouble-free operation as well as durability. My personal recommendation would be Speed Queen. I've just replaced one that ran for 20 trouble-free years with a brand new SQ washer. They are still constructed with lots of heavy metal gears, good quality materials and standard non-electronic dials. They are a little pricier though than most other US brands. Then again, this new washer of mine may not see out 10 years of operation. I certainly hope that it will. The biggest problem is to actually make a choice. There are so many products out there. Lots of them identical, others quite different - so it really all comes down to the agony of choice. Another matter to consider is a company's product support and customer service reputation. Also, purchase your washer from a store that has a money-back policy or a reputation for giving excellent customer satisfaction. Enough already, this post is longer than originally intended. Good luck and let us know what you are buying. Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen Appliances

Marie, I retired on Feb. 14th of this year, and I need to go back to work so I can rest! My day consists of: walking the dog, first thing every morning. He gets walked a minimum of 3 times a day. Then I clean my 17-yr. old stepson's pig sty. Then, I do laundry three times a week. Then I sweep the kitchen and scrub it a couple of times a week. I always have dishes to do at least once a day. I started taking painting classes, and paint every day for about 3 hours. I cook dinner. I have LOTS of house plants and tropicals to tend to. I have a yard that is ALWAYS needing something done to it. If I get bored or lonely, and can't find anything I want to do, I go to the thrift store and look around and visit my friends there. I have an elderly friend in a nursing home that I visit a couple of times a month. Of course, I spend a chunk of time on the computer, keeping up with my cyber friends - PHEW!!! It seems there are not enough hours in the day!