I think the "Conversations" title of this forum can be misleading. It is difficult to have a true conversation when you can not see the other person's smiles or sympathetic nods, and you do not get immediate feedback. It is impossible to read and comment on everything that is said here, and I think we are all aware of that. I often write a post in haste, then I later think of other comments I meant to make. I think of all of you often. Here is a picture of the loot from my Home Goods spree of the last few weeks. Now, I am getting spring fever thinking of plants to fill them! I had a meeting this AM at DS's school with his "team", and it went very well. He is dyslexic, and gets a lot of help at school. It went well; they assured me he has made great improvements. They had a lot of positive things to say about him. The kids have state-mandated standardized testing in a few weeks, including a 5 paragraph essay. My DS can speak very fluently and intelligently, but he has a lot of trouble getting his thoughts down on paper; I was dreading that essay for him. Turns out they will allow him to have a "scribe", a teacher's assistant who will actually "take dictation" and do the writing for him; no editing allowed. What a relief! He has had his struggles at school, but the staff has been so helpful and encouraging to him - he still enjoys school and has a positive attitude about it. I made sure to let each of them know how much we appreciate the work they do. Deanne, one fruit salad coming up for Saturday. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Also, love the birdie pics, as usual. They actually do seem to pose for you! The blue jay with a mohawk was a riot. The "trick photography" with the pair of cardinals is amazing. Does that mean you can do that tabloid stuff like putting my head on someone else's body?! Babs, I think you have the key re: kids and manners, they need to know what is expected. My kids are not perfect, but good behavior in all situations is a must. From the time they could speak they were taught to say "please" and "thank you", and it went on from there. We would never think to allow them to get up and wander around at a restaurant, and they don't even know how to make spitballs (I hope!). When my DD turned 10, we actually took her and three of her friends out to lunch, and let them sit at their own table, within sight of ours. There was much giggling at the girl's table, but they managed to order for themselves and eat without incident. Martie, glad things went well at your brother's hearing. The job offer from the social worker is a real compliment on the way you handled yourself. I agree, a job like that would be way too heartbreaking. Eden, the cake is a masterpiece. (Cynthia, thanks for flipping the picture!) Bella looks like she had a great time, I'm glad all went well. Michelle, are you tired of painting yet?! V, Ken Druse at 8am - can I be you when I grow up? He is an amusing speaker. I am doing a reverse snow dance now, glad this is the internet and nobody can see me! T, so sorry about your goat. Hope to see pics of the twins soon! I hope every body's aches and pains are improving today, or at least you are finding ways to deal with them; recreationally or otherwise. Sending good thoughts to all who need them. I was re-reading the book by Thomas Cooper "Odd Lots - Seasonal Notes of a City Gardener" last night, and wanted to share his comment about spring in the northeast: "Spring appears on the calendar on March 20, but it doesn't show up at our place until a month or more later. I suspect that the earlier date is only the day when spring leaves South Carolina, or wherever it was playing golf, and heads north for the season." -Wendy

ROFLMBO. Keep 'em comin', KJ.

I can always use a little help remembering that not everyone is "from Mars" Lin. Thanks! Hot chocolate, or toddies, guaranteed! ;) And, Rock Oak, we had a winter last year where there was snow in my front yard from Thanksiving until March, most of the time. I got a small glimpse of what it must be like to really be in the snow belt. It does get old. They are predicting a warmer and drier winter up here for us.

Hi Mary11. The "useful link" will give you the signs of menopause. Beware - they do vary a lot. I didn't have any signs until many months after my period stopped. There was no irregularity. It just stopped altogether. The test for menopause/ pre- or perimenopause is your level of FSH (folicle stimulating hormones). My sprite elderly aunt, a former nurse married to a doctor and who does extensive research can't say enough good things about using natural progesterone cream for the symptoms. You can get it at health food stores (she recommends the progesterone extracted from yams). A dab is rubbed into the skin daily, in a place you would normally blush (thin skin) such as your inner forearm. A break for a few days a month from using it is recommended. Do stay away from non bioidentical HRT which contains horse urine and such. Very controversial and there are alternatives. Best, suesan Here is a link that might be useful: What are the symptoms of menopause?