I have one of my email accounts with my ISP. I currently can receive mail but not send it. I am sure the problem is with a setting. I need to get to the ISP website to look up the proper settings. My phone company is a co-op. I don't think they merge with anyone. They have been here to stay since 1953. Locally owned. I did manage to connect using a proxy service. (link below) Pooh Bear Here is a link that might be useful: http://anonymouse.org/anonwww.html

I made up a simple appetizer that I've been bringing places. The last gathering people were standing in front of it and not moving! Everyone really seems to like it. Soften some cream cheese or neufactuel (sp?) and put in the bottom of a shallow serving dish (can be small or big, pie plate etc.). I make it about 3/4 of an inch thick. Then put on a layer of pesto. About 1/4" thick or so and not quite to the edges. (I've got homemade in the freezer, but I've used canned too) Then put on a layer of finely diced or ground sundried tomatoes in oil. About as thick as the pesto and again not quite to the edge of the pesto. Top with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of parmesan. Garnish with some parsley and serve with crackers. Delicious!!! Grace

Thanks for all the great replies! I'm still torn, but you've made me feel better if we go ahead and get him. I remember you, too, Quasifish! Hello again! To answer some questions--the 2 litters have been co-mingled. The breeder has a "nursery" (separate room in her house, closed off from the foyer with a screened-type door) where the kittens all stay together after about 4-5 weeks in their separate places w/ their moms. In their last week there, they get let out into the rest of the house to be raised "under foot"--w/ 4 home-schooled kids and a dog. She'll let me bring home a towel that's been in the room with all of them, so some familiar smells will accompany Coco to his new surroundings (that's what we've named him--he's a real "Cocoa puff"). I read the breeder's website from all the ones I looked for that were in my state, and it was at the top of my list, and then I found that it was only 7 miles from the new house. Great testimonials and pics sent in by satisfied customers. Some were repeat customers. And, we visited there before we decided for sure to do this (had never bought an animal before and still feel weird about it). I've visited every other week since early June, starting with when she let me have first pick of each litter. Seeing the Ragdolls on that Cats 101 was what convinced me to do it (and yes, I've seen Matilda story too)! It was between them and a Maine Coon, which hubby wanted because we now know the MOST lovable cat in the world since we moved (who's a Maine coon). He goes limp when you pick him up, so we've enjoyed loving on him whenever we catsit him--at our house no less, so we fight over him! We knew then that after Casey, we needed a cat like this one. From what I'd seen and read about Ragdolls, this seemed our best bet. This breeder makes you sign a contract which says that if for whatever reason you can't take care of the cat anymore and can't find a suitable new home for it, she'll take it back. She seems very responsible. She was an herbalist prior to starting this venture a few years ago, and she's quite holistic with the kitties. Oh, she wants me to take this first one before getting the second one. He's more shy than his cousin, a little female. She thinks he should have a chance to bond with me first instead of just her (if they arrive together). The other one is a little spitfire which we can already tell will rule the house. We're already crazy in love with them and talk about them all the time (and constantly look at the many pictures and videos I have on my iPhone). We're soooo ready for another kitty to love. Tracey

Hello sylvia - yes, I am quite sure. The agents who quoted us over the phone both suggested we look at zillow, which is how I knew where they got the figures from. The agent who told his office is taking 10-12 months, those are his words. In fact, he told us a "good news" story about a sale nearby which took 9 months. As regards the dual agency, we are relying on our lawyer's advice. He is vehemently opposed to it. He says there are far too many instances of agents accidentally divulging important personal info - such as how badly someone needs to move - in order to facilitate a sale. In his words - "Even granting sterling integrity on the part of the realtor, it is a bad position for a human being to be in, representing both sides". As far as the realtor.com thing, that one has us puzzled, too. I was under the impression that all MLS listings show up there, but apparently that isn't always the case. Perhaps they don't want to extended type listings there, but that has not been what they've said. Finally, yes, these are actual licensed realtors. The last one has 20+ years experience, 7 in this area. We've never heard most of this stuff, either. That is why I posted here, to see if anyone else has. Just as an update, the realtor we interviewed this morning was more promising. Unfortunately, she was almost an hour late ("no gps"), and forgot to bring comps. Normally, that would have red-flagged her for us, but under the present circumstances we are going to meet her again Wednesday.