"just because it is colder in Iowa doesn't mean it is colder everywhere else." Oh, How true. March 8th my wife and I left Iowa for an extended stay in Florida to try and get warm. Eastern Iowa had been in a cycle of Rain, Ice, Snow every 3-4 days since before Christmas. We just wanted to go south and get warm!!! We hit tennessee day after they got smashed by a blizzard. Went on to Gatlinburg, there it was 50-55. Went to Savanah Ga. It was 60 and rain there. Went down to Venice Fl. 60 and high wind. Couldn't dive because water was so turbulent you couldn't see your guages. Ft. Lauderdale and Deerefield Beach wind off the ocean was 40+ mph and temp not above 60 or so. Went over to Freeport Grand Bahamas for 6 days. Temp never got above 65 most of the time it was 50-55 and rain 4 days out of 6 it rained and had high wind. Tryed diving one morning and the waves came up so badly once we were out and underwater, the dive master came down and called us in and it was almost impossible to get back on the boat as the boat was rocking in 6-8' seas. 21 days gone and only a couple of them did we see 70+ temps. Got back to Iowa and we went right back into the winter rain ice snow cycle and we are still in it right now minus the snow. Still cold enough to freeze outside some nights yet. I just want to be warm. I will gladly put up with 90+ temps and 90% humidity. I am tired of being cold. I would like to break a sweat for a change. Of course the old saw still applies: "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still" Here is a link that might be useful: For those who wish to keep the debate going, ample fuel here!!!

I agree... didn't know what happened to UKGA until I read the last post in "Whiner's only." My prayers to you and yes, I am glad you are back and enjoying your garden again.

Nice that you were able to replace all windows and doors with Marvins. You will not be disappointed, we did the same replacement about 5 years ago now. Still look as good as they days they were installed. Great product! Love my Marvins & welcome back to the decorating world!

Bob ate his dinner and all of it, which is unusual.. it is so difficult to keep his weight up, but they say the emphysema is eating up most of his energy and as long as his blood sugar and cholesterol, etc.. levels are good.. just to let him eat whatever it is he wants. Tonight, he asked for some brownies.. so I whipped up a pan of them.. he at a third of the pan.. lol... but then said he felt sort of sick.. (jeez I wonder why ) But after about an hour and a nice cup of coffee, he said he felt better... I have to be very careful about scatter rugs now, and have taken them all up. It is too easy for him to mis step and take a tumble.. and I am getting a fellow to install a good sturdy banister on the stairs going down to his man cave.. He doesn't want any, but I think he should have something for balance.. He is feeling pretty good, but he is more childlike than ever before.. but still is loving ..... he does have a temper, but it is just frustration that his body parts just don't function like they did 10 years ago.. We had a nice talk tonight over supper.... and he asked if I had considered his going to a nursing home... I assured him that a NH would only be a very very very last resort, and I would look for other alternatives first... and that I would always be here for him as long as the Lord will grant us that blessing. He seemed to be satisfied with my answer... and I meant every word... We will see the doctor tomorrow morning at 8:30, so maybe we will find some answers there, but I seriously doubt he will be able to offer any more than what we already have... The doctor is an Ultra Christian (Pentacostal)and believes in the power of prayer... and also understands how to deal with the spiritual side of doctoring too....so we are very fortunate to have him... Please keep Bob in your prayers as we begin another day... Please pray that I am able to remain focused on the cross and not of the world and what it has to offer. (Not always an easy thing) Thank you all, Kitt