Laura, LOL on both posts! But you see, she also brought balance to the world. Long ago our household had 2 humans, 2 dogs and 2 cats...a boy & girl of each. While the dogs have changed, we found ourselves with only a boy dog - the universe was unbalanced. Shanti brings us back to 2 humans, 2 dogs and 2 cats...a boy & girl of each. And actually there is a new sense of peace- She has so exhausted the other dog (who had become too much of a demanding couch potato, which is also why she was needed) that the evenings really are, well, more peaceful. And only a few orchids have suffered only broken leaves! The pecking order is being established- each cat has given her 1 good clawless smack (you see, they grew up with dogs, so this is their 4th), Yogi has learned that she will protect her food, and she has learned that Yogi will protect his tennis balls (all other toys are open to negotiation). And I have (re)learned how those soft brown puppy eyes can get you to do almost anything; that an extra mouth to feed (and buys toys, leashes, beds, etc etc for) ain't cheap; and that it really is wonderful fun to have a clumsy, silly, lovable, 'I'll follow you anywhere' companion right at your side. And she really does occupy the other dog, so I don't have to ;) Carolyn

I would love one of those, it is so real. I have sold most of my dolls but have several babies that I have kept. That is odd for me to do, I never liked baby dolls, but there were 3 or 4 I could not resist. I took a newborn doll to an aunt's 80 birthday and people thought I had a real baby.

Hey Jo - didn't you know acting out in front of an audience is noraml; looks like those handsome young guys are having a great time for Grandma's birthday!! Was that ketchup spread out on that plate - yummy, good for FFs! The grans are are adorable - well, I guess I shouldn't say that because they are aren't babies anymore. But they are pretty darn handsome - could break some young girl's heart when they get older. Was that pic at the table (the one in the house) at your house. It is so bright and cheery. BTW, thanks for explaining TSL. Oh, and you gotta share taht perpeller cup. That sounds like a pretty nifty toy. Hi eloise. I think you are right - Spring Fever is here for sure. I just bought a new grill and can't wait to try it out. Then I'll be out, right there with the grill. My neighbor was supposed to pick it up Friday but I think he was just plain tired and didn't want to say it. He told me he would pick it up early Sat but I went to a Prayer Breakfast for the United Negro Women's Conference and couldn't go until later in the afternoon(I take my 86yo aunt every year and it is such an enlightening experience being around so many empowered women so I don't mind having to leave the house at 7AM on a Satuday!! The food is good too!). My neighbor never responded to my calls after I got back but showed up early this morning. I was a litle disappointed because yesterday was perfect weather for grilling and enjoying the patio. It was a little cold to try to get it all set up today. Besides, even though I told my neighbor it would take 2 or 3 guys to move the thing, he didn't line anyone up to help (MEN, they just don't listen!!!). So it was just the 2 of us trying to pick that darn thing up over the side of a pickup truck. I was so tired after that fiasco that I really didn't feel like dealing with it. It's all put together, but hooking up the tank and leveling it, and learning how to use the contraption, etc, just wasn't going to happen today. If it's nice tomorrow, maybe I'll throw a burger or two on, after work. Here's a funny - we eventually had to slide the grill down a make-shift ramp. My neighbor tilted it to the side and I held it until he could jump down off the truck and help slide it down the ramp. While I was waiting for him to help hold it, ALL the wait was on my chest. Boy, I would rather have had the reduction surgery -- LOL!! That thing was soooo heavy - my arms feel like wet noodles for sure! OK, long story, but excited about the grill and after all is said and done, it turned out to be pretty funny how the thing ended up on my patio. Hope my neighbors weren't taking pics!! Anyway, glad you too are doing OK (and hope everyone else is too). Eloise, how's your car (hope I don't jinx you by asking)? Jo, are you hanging in there? How's your painting coming along? Really happy your birthday turned out to be a good week for ya. Hugs to ya! Off to get ready for another week at work. gng

Well, since this thread has been revived, may I request an updated pic of sweet little Clara Jean? Well, if you feel comfortable posting a pic of her that is. Completely understand if you don't.