I really believe you should go now. Like others have said we never know what tomorrow may bring. I would rather visit an ill or recovering mom than have to fly to a funeral. Personally I'd rather miss the funeral. Once gone from this earth if you are at all religious or spiritual where you are doesn't matter any more. Where you are does matter for the living. If your mother is ill you need to visit her if you can. If she gets well you will have a nice visit with her. By April the option may or may not be there. Things can change very quickly with the elderly.My DMIL died while my DH was on a 3 day business trip. He visited her just before he left and she was fine. She passed in the early morning hours of the day he was to return. As a hospice worker you probably already know that short of a massive coronary or stroke it is pneumonia that often takes the elderly even before the disease or other illness they are dealing with does. With bad lungs your mother is even at higher risk. Be good to yourself Bigbaby. Now is the time to be "selfish" and do what you think needs to be done. For both you and your mother.

Coolmama, As long as I can remember, pets have filled a 'void' in my life. They are so loyal, trusting & make no judgements. They love you unconditionally regardless of your age, status, beliefs, faults etc. I don't recall ever being without a cat & since I've had a house, a dog also. Many years ago, when I was 18 & living in a fourplex apt. in the country, I had a cat Shamu. One fall day, while visiting a farm, the workers found an infant bunny in a bale. I recall them saying that is was unusual for the time of year & bunny had no chance. So, I said I'd take it home, which I did. I fed Buffy with a doll's bottle with Shamu sitting at my feet, awaiting his turn. Yes, I fed that cat, too, so he didn't feel left out. Later, when Buffy ate potato peels, when I prepared a meal, Shamu ate raw potato peels. I think Buffy thought it was a cat, & loved to snuggle with Shamu even trying to nurse. Buffy thrived & even knew it's name, coming when I called. He & Shamu were the best of friends. I loved that bunny & had a stong bond - bottle feeding is so special. As usual, Shamu slept in bed with me, while Buffy slept in a box, with a screen on top, nearby. One morning Buffy wasn't in the box. Much to my horror, I found Buffy dead under the bed. I was devastated. I had a difficult time coping, as did Shamu. At the time, it really bothered me that it had died alone, without a sound. The slightest sound from a critter, awakes me. I learned very quickly that mourning a pet isn't socially accepted, generally. No one understood the grief I was experiencing. Basically, the attitude was it was "just" a wild rabbit. Oh well, big deal. This forum is wonderful as here there are people who understand, share your pain, & offer comfort. You do need to give yourself time to grieve. It's not easy. I've lost beloved pets since, & always have a hard time coping, more with some than others. My heart goes out to you. A gerbil, isn't JUST a gerbil, it's a piece of your heart. Summer

Not totally done but close! Planted the low-gro and added cypress mulch. I tried to get the corners at a 90° angle as best as I could. The grass in front of the steps might be temporary as the thinking wheel is turning. I like the idea of extending the porch out in that area. The covered gutters are only a concern in the corner above the main entrance. There’s a rain diverter there but it isn’t very good. I hope to remedy that when I replace my shingles next spring.

Just a quick update - While I miss Sam a ton - the name “Baxter“ no longer reminds me of him. Baxter has a unique personality - and is definitely his own little man! It appears that he is going to stay pretty small (smaller than I expected - his mom is 6.5 lbs) - today he turned 7 months old - and he’s only 2.6 lbs. However, he has a BIG personality - and is extremely lovable! Pic from about a month ago (6 months): Photos from a two days ago: He really needs a haircut but I haven’t been feeling well - so, he looks a bit of a mess - especially after just coming back inside after playing w his big sister (who has FINALLY warmed up to him). He is kind of an ”odd” pup - but in a cute way! Very smart - and was extremely easy to house train. He started using a bell to go outside when he wasn’t even three months old. I had just started to introduce the bell by shaking it a little when I said ”Let’s go outside” as I opened the door - and about three days later, he began ringing it on his own. He didn’t learn it from Ella - she’s never used a bell (she just lets me know when she needs to go out). I was a bit shocked when I was in the other room and heard it ring. However, he tends to “overuse” the bell - especially when its nice outside (it’s 52 degrees and sunny today so quite a few trips outside) - he LOVES being outside. A few weeks ago he started ringing the bell when he wants to “steal“ something that Ella has (like a turkey tendon or a trachea - he likes them better after she’s already been chewing on them!) Ella will drop whatever she’s chewing on and follow him outside (she also loves being outdoors) - and then he will make a quick u-turn back into the house - and grab whatever she’s dropped. When Ella comes back inside, she is very confused about her tendon/trachea/etc. mysteriously disappearing. Anyway - I truly appreciate all the advice/support/comments from everyone. I was way more worried about it than I needed to be. I just wasn’t emotionally ready for a new pup - but I am extremely happy that I decided to go ahead and bring him home with me! Thanks again, Dani