Kay, how are you? I haven't been around for a while, I had to take a break and get myself together. To everyone I want to tell you that I am so sorry for your loss and sadness, it is the worst pain anyone can have BUT it does get better, I promise. My heart and soul mate died 14 months ago and I wanted to die with him, I was in so much pain and so scared of what was going to happen to me without him; life must go on. I was told that it doesn't get better but it gets different and they were right. I still weep and some days are bad but I have more good days as time goes on. Life won't seem so alien after a while, I just felt like I didn't belong here any more, not in my home, my job or this world but I did finally settle with my feet back on the ground. It's not easy but you have to push youself to live and it eventually gets easier. Please take care of yourselves, get help if you need it and work hard at being strong, we will never forget and we will always love them and happier days are ahead. God Bless all, Mav.

Type K thermalcouple probe is made generally using nickel and chromium bi-metal. It is rust-proof and heat-proof. The problem mostly is not related to the probe. There is most likely internal calibration logic built in to maintain a +- 1 degree accuracy in temperature readings. The fact that you are getting a 1771 degree reading leads me to believe that there are two possible causes: 1. The LCD display has been damaged as I stated in my previous post. 2. There is moisture which leaks a small amount of current to the LCD causing it to display odd numbers. LCD requires extreme small amount of current to display. Hopefully it is not #1. You may swear somemore if thatâÂÂs the case. dcarch

If I have another stress test, I will have to leave strict instruction NOT to leave a message at home (they should have called my cell phone, they HAD the number). I had a stress test. The nurses told me it would be about a week before I heard, unless there was a problem. That night, after work, after 5pm when the doc's offices close, there was a message on my phone that I was to see the Dr. the next morning at 8:30. Well, needless to say, I didn't sleep very well. Scared to death! Got in there, my BP was outrageous, of course... Turns out the DOC was going on VACATION and just wanted to close out his cases... My heart was fine. Talk about GIVING someone a heart attack! I told the front desk NEVER to leave someone a message like that after they've had a stress test or at least TELL the patient the doc is going on vacation and wants to close out his cases! Jeepers! An experience I will never EVER forget!

Dad has GOT to take a more active stance. Bio-Mom doesn't get to dictate all of the terms just because she has primary custody. The problems you describe are serious, and heading down a nasty, difficult road. If Bio-Mom doesn't change her ways, this child will be one of those 'never grow up, live at home' adults who can't hold down a job or maintain an adult relationship. I know Momma loves her 'baby', but it's going too far, waaay too far. Is there any indication that the child isn't capable of doing for himself? Any signs of a developmental disability? Since he's old enough to be in school, I'd schedule a conference with his teacher. Or rather, I'd make sure your husband does it, then show up there yourself "to be a supportive wife and stepmother." It'll be walking a tightrope, but it's necessary. See what types of difficulties he's having in school, of if he's able to cope there, but just not at home. Whether or not to include Bio-Mom is a tricky issue -- Maybe talk to the teacher first on the phone so you get an idea of whether or not she has the same concerns you do? If she does, let her be the one to take the lead with Bio-Mom on ways to encourage independence and self-reliance. If the teacher isn't concerned, it could be that stepson's behavior is specific to your household -- which would be a whole 'nother can of worms. (If you have the same last name as the child, odds are good the teacher won't even know you're the step-mom until you tell her -- Which of course, you'll do at the 'appropriate' time.) There are ways to encourage a child's independence without saying "You have to do it yourself." Try showing him once, then asking him if he can do the next one. (Make sure it's something small and simple where his chances of success are near 100%.) If he's slow to comply, be 'unavailable' to help for a few minutes -- maybe "as soon as I get back from the bathroom" or "take the clothes out of the dryer" or "stir the pot for dinner." He'll probably rather do it himself than wait. Or tell him how much the 2 year old looks up to him since he's so much bigger, and ask him if he can show the little guy how to do something. (Never mind that it could be the reverse...) Letting him know what to do, then walking away and leaving him to fend for himself can be a very effective strategy. Praising small advances, looking for good behaviors to reward, and admiring 'big boy' things may also encourage the types of behaviors you want to see. Good luck - and hang in there. Above all, try to remember that the little boy's self-crippling behaviors are a result of his mother's actions, not (yet) a character trait.