The Wild Ones organization has some information on Sara Stein; an introduction and a link to "A Conversation with Sara Stein". It seems quite appropiate that she is sitting on an Aldo Leopold bench for the conversation. It is comforting to know that her message will live on through her books. Here is a link that might be useful: Sara Stein page

Sears warranties are not worth a dime and will only invite frustration and cost into your life if my experience is any indication. I didn't even consider Sears for my new kitchen appliances because I purchased a washing machine and bought their expensive 'master protection' agreement. It has not worked in one year, all the while under warranty. It can take up to 2 weeks to get an appointment. They never, ever show up during the hours of your appointment. Except when I was out of town, I've had multiple tech appointments each month. Finally after 11 months, a tech figured out they had now put in the wrong new control board 3 different times and that was why I had not had a machine in one year...in spite of it being under warranty and in spite of approaching 20 tech visits and in spite of them spending 5 times what it's worth in parts to repair it. Multiple times I've been 'escalated' to Customer Solutions, but when I was told by Elizabeth in Customer Solutions (and later Trish) that I had already had 3 "non-functional failures" so if the tech couldn't repair it on the next appointment...and he couldn't...that would my my 4th non functional failure and it would qualify for replacement. I called and a new Customer Solutions person said their research indicated I had only had 2 non functional failures and denied the replacement. This week, I waited at home 2 days only to be stood up both days. So now, I guess that they can't repair it, won't replace it and no longer bother to show up for appointments they make. And it's always the same, until today's notes are updated, we can't do anything...call back tomorrow. Calls take forever. So if you are even considering purchasing a Sears warranty, here's a tip: When you call for a problem and the person gives you their name, ask for their employee ID number before you even begin speaking. Make a note of it. I used to only write their names down until John denied my replacement and apologized that everyone before him had "misinformed" me. Thus far, the only thing I can see that the Sears warranty people are good at is apologizing. I have pages and pages of notes of my ongoing saga...more than a year's worth. And my washing machine still doesn't work. It was a Maytag 4000 series, btw. By stark contrast, I ordered my new Bosch appliances before Bosch was shipping them to the US and still they ended up coming in late. So the store manager where I purchased them offered me loaner appliances until they came in. Didn't take him up on the offer as my kitchen reno is also running late, but I am thanking my lucky stars I didn't order from Sears.

We have two minilabradoodles that are nearly 4 years old. They are brother and sister but look nothing alike. Andi is the little girl, she was the runt of the litter and has shorts legs like her daddy who was a toy poodle. She is apricot with some curly hair on the top of her head but and legs but the rest is straighter. She weighs about 30 lbs but is solid. Amos has the curly black hair all over but is taller like his momma, a small labradoodle. He weighs in at 35 lbs and is twice Andi's height. Doodles have the best personalities. They are so affectionate and aim to please. Andi is extremely bright and Amos well, his heart is his brain lets say. We went to get Andi but Amos won over my hubbie's heart when he literally laid himself on my husband when he went into the pen to look at the pups. Both love to swim, Andi loves squeaky toys and will tug and pull on them with you. Amos is the soft mouthed retriever, will bring back the toy 1000 times a night if you throw it but drops it in you lap and won't pull on it. I know people say they are expensive mutts and they are but I love them so much, wouldn't trade them for anything. Doodles can be hyper - Amos is kinda - easily excited but with training, they do obey. Many are used for guide and assistance dogs.

Darch that is amazing! Clive could easily make her a board and cutting block similar to the one you made. I'll show this to her at Christmas and see what she thinks. When she was home her Dad was her sous chef , now that she is away from home she is finding a few new challenges and cooking is one of them. Cutting food on her plate is another. When she first went to university she only chose things in the caf that were already bite sized or didn't need cutting. However , she has met some new friends she is very comfortable with and they help her out if required.......one named Daniel seems a particularly "good" friend ! LOL I know she will be very touched that you put so much effort into thinking about this and working up those models. I appreciate it too........, very, very much. This was so kind of you Have a wonderful Christmas Sharon