Aspergers & Autism were mentioned; IMO we've always had it; it's just that they can diagnose a name now. My friends son is diagnosed; I bet a million dollars her deaf hub has it too & it's more apparent now that the world has gotten so fast paced. They were able to function back in the day because life was simpler. As technology has grown; her hub has gotten more withdrawn. Schooling has changed as well. Kindergarten is nothing like it used to be; they're thrown into a new way of life & expected to be able to sit & work. Schools make it hard to not medicate an ADHD kid & depending on the school & child; they may also be on antipsychotics which will come with their own risks as the child grows. As for cancer & other things; I don't doubt environment plays a part. I've suspected dental xrays for a while. I think with some cancers; their better at diagnosing earlier; such as the leukemias. They also know that HPV causes many cancers. We eat foods grown with who knows what; then there is the employees that harvest said crop (or foods).. Some use contract crews; meaning workers here with green cards; they could be in the fields peeing on the blueberry bushes. I worked with them for a plant nursery; things they do in their country are still done here... I know my dads Leukemia was caused by the chemicals at our gas station. We used to get the chemicals all over us. We'd spray our hands down with it to get the grease off. I've had the gas pump give me showers; had oil drip all over me; same with antifreeze. Then there is Oxygenated gasoline which has always scared the heck out of me. I hated to breathe it; used to give me headaches. I will not be surprised if it bites me in the rear one day. Some of us used to slather baby oil & go lay out; of course this comes with a price too. They're seeing people with lung issues from it. The skin is porous; anything we touch; or use- lotions; baby oil; hair dye; even makeup- it's absorbed by the skin. Mineral Oil - Good For Skin ? then there is Petroleum Jelly on Your Face? - Think about these things with newborn babies & if you want to make yourself even crazier; what is in disposable diapers that gels up when wet? Does it make more sense that younger people are being diagnosed with cancers? I also feel that some are genetics; even when it did not run in families; it's possible that 2 people carrying dormant genes had kids that will have issues; like the Ehlors Danlos. I'm pretty sure both my parents had it; but it did not affect them the way it is me & my daughter.

I wouldn't want to be without my OXO hair trap! This thing really does trap stray hairs and keep them from going down the drain, where they just accumulate and form a disgusting giant rat over time. I also like my car's backup camera, although I refuse to rely on it solely and still physically turn to look in all directions before backing out. Recently I rode in the car with someone who put her car in reverse, checked her backup camera, and then just roared out of the parking space. Her confidence in that thing kinda freaked me out! Also love having Bluetooth/hands-free phone ability in the car. It looks funny to me now to see someone driving and holding a phone to their ear, and no longer looks odd to see someone driving alone and carrying on an animated conversation. ;-)

How long will the RE boom last in California? Isn't it down a bit already? My advice: Take the money and run. Invest it. Rent in Omaha until you're sure about the work and the location. One thing at a time. This is actually three things: New location. New job for DH. New job for you. Put parenting on hold for a year. If you won't/can't bear children, you can ignore the ticking clock for a while. I'm laughing my head off about 'bugs' in the Midwest. What? I'll show you bugs! Go to Hawaii. Go anywhere there's no hard freeze. (Not that climate isn't changing everywhere. Chicago had a single snowfall Jan. - Mar. Miami is flooding while the rest of Florida burns; ETC!) Rent first is good advice for anyone who can afford it when relocating. Senior friends moved to Arizona, where they liked the weather, but not the 'black helicopter' vibe. Years ago one of DH's friends moved to Atlanta, where they discovered they were unacceptable Damn Yankees. We visited friends from suburban Chicago at their gorgeous home in Atherton, California; they moved 'home' after two years, not wanting that atmosphere for their young boys. My uncle and his bride lived Kauai as newlyweds; moved to the mainland to expose their boys to life beyond 'Surf's Up'. Right now there seems more polarization than ever, with Red State/Blue State. (We need a return visit from Dr. Seuss!)

Cyn, I can't figure out why I thought it had thorns. It's been a long time. lol I asked if anyone can identify the plant here: https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/6123783/is-this-a-rose-of-sharon Arcy, this is a sweet story. A young couple related to the late farmer who gifted us the peony, bought his farm and house. I showed the picture on FB and she replied that she can't grow any. Not sure if she paid attention to what I wrote before I posted the picture, but I replied to her, "You do know this Peony came from your flowerbed." Then I told her I'd see if there's a way to dig part of it up and give it to her. Do you know how to do that?