Dianepa...I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure that while you are at ease that he is not suffering you still wish he was with you. I'm newly married and can not imagine how it would feel to lose my husband. I'll keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

I would be tempted to make up a little envelope full of brochures on Italy, with a little note saying, "Surprise! I booked us a trip for May!". As soon as a look of shock/dread crosses his face tell him the truth. I'm a brat. I wouldn't be able to resist.

I don't need it....nothing....don't need anything more.... BUT....today I went to the $ store because I needed several gift bags....and while I was there...I just had to walk around...and bought 3 glass pinch bowls...I was getting along just fine with custard cups...but... AND I got a new dishwasher last week...but that was because my 22 year old trusty Maytag died. I know better then to buy one of the newer Maytags (the ex CEO was a very good friend and next door neighbor and when he made all those trips to China and Japan, I figured it out!).. Anyhow I got a Jenn Aire....I know they are in the business of down draft vent systems....but it's a hotsy totsy model, likely last years but I made the dealer an offer...prepared to up it....and he said OK. Surprise! But its' not "fun" in the way that a new stock pot would be...I still am trying to figure out the best way to load the thing! Also got 2 new YeehaH stoves for the church...I bucked the people who said why do we need to spend that for stoves.....and I splained why!! Because I cook on them and you don't! I think I need new potholders.....mine are beyond awful...and people give me oven mits and I feel clumsy using them, so I save them for the grill. I Have a fairly nice assortment of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day potholders...but I need some simple every day ones that don't have burned corners and the stuffing hanging out. Linda C

We are in the middle of a "refresh", and I have to admit that I'm finding myself wishing that we had just basically gutted and started from scratch with a kitchen designer leading the way on all of it. Mostly because for what it's costing in the end, doing it that way probably wouldn't have been that much more expensive (isn't that how it always works out). Specifically, so that I could have had higher quality cabinetry with big lower drawers instead of cabinets. BUT, I'm quite certain that I'll be thrilled when we're done. It's more that we're at the 'starting to see it, but still a ways to go" phase.