re⋅gret⋅ta⋅ble /rɪˈgrɛtəbəl/ adjective causing or deserving regret; unfortunate; deplorable. re⋅gret /rɪˈgrɛt/ verb, -gret⋅ted, -gret⋅ting, noun verb (used with object) 1.to feel sorrow or remorse for (an act, fault, disappointment, etc.): He no sooner spoke than he regretted it. 2.to think of with a sense of loss: to regret one's vanished youth. noun 3.a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc. 4.a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc. 5.regrets, a polite, usually formal refusal of an invitation: I sent her my regrets. 6.a note expressing regret at one's inability to accept an invitation: I have had four acceptances and one regret. To Imamommy: I do appreciate your sincere reply and explanation....serioulsy I do. Unfortuantley, from your position, which is understandably based upon your Life's experiences, it is, in my humble opnion: lacking. This is especially true when you state it's all about YOU. Of course it's all about me...it's my posting, my question, my struggle, my family, and most importantly of all: my feelings. No matter how one "paints the picture" the viewer or in this case the reader, will take from it whatever it is they percieve, want or need to see; or perhaps are blind to see it for what it really is. I might add that the canvas may not be large enough for the artist to paint the whole picture. As for the "choice" hind site is always 20/20, but I don't think a divorce and raising 3 (innocent) children in a broken home and carting them back and forth between parents is a good idea. I didn't have an Aunt Bee to turn to and I didnt' like the idea of putting 3 kids into day care. To my x-wife's credit she agreed to consuling and too remain commited to raising our children together rather than apart. Sadly (regretably) things didin't work out. As for my children and how they feel, I know both clinically and from first hand experience how they feel, and I even know what their pattern's of behavior are, which is why: I've given up hope to any meaningful relationship; and question why I should even bother with "tradition" like this wedding. We all know that "traditions" are a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting. Perhaps by going to this wedding there is some hope that these time honored events will provide an opportunity for some closure. God knows it's sorely needed. Lastly, if by chance I've failed to address or satisfy a question, or simply didn't agree with one's opinion, then let us part company with the knowledge that we can agree to disagree. I"m going to go and fix a hot cup of tea and I will drink that tea in honor of all of you, but most of all to Imamommy whose brush has put some color into the tapestry of my LIFE. Please join me.

Well if it doesn't have to be healthy...... Then I recommend a broccoli Cauliflower gratin. This is a recipe from the fuzzy little ewok (I still call him that after all these years!) but you certainly do not need "essence" to make it wonderful. Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin by Emeril Lagasse .Prep Time:30 minInactive Prep Time:hr minCook Time:55 minLevel: IntermediateServes: 6 to 8 servings.Ingredients Â1 stick plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter Â3 pounds cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets Â1 1/2 pounds broccoli, trimmed and cut into large florets Â2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed Â1/2 cup all-purpose flour Â6 cups whole milk Â1/4 teaspoon cayenne Â8 ounces grated cheddar cheese, about 3 cups Â1 cup fine dry bread crumbs Â2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows Â1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with 2 teaspoons of butter and set aside. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender but still firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Return the water to a boil, add the broccoli and cook until tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander, refresh under cold running water, and drain again. Place the cauliflower in the prepared pan and top with the broccoli. In a medium heavy saucepan, melt the remaining stick of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly over medium heat until thickened into a blond roux, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons salt and the cayenne, stir, and gradually add the cold milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes. Bring to a simmer and add the cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted. Remove from the heat. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables, gently rapping the casserole dish on the counter top to dispel air bubbles. In a bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, oil, and Essence and evenly distribute over the top of the vegetables. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Teri, That is very pretty! Thanks for sharing. Oh, my goodness Sue! Graphic-wise. Who have you been hanging around with? Have you been with the "wrong" crowd? Or is it that same age thing the men go through? "LOL" JUST KIDDING. That is a pretty gal one. ~Urlee~

I also had a day which I am sure I won't forget. My family was together for the first time in quite a while and I was feeling so content. Almost finished with dinner when oldest daughter took offense at something my middle daughter said in jest and certainly not maliciously. Oldest daughter said very loudly that we all come and eat her food that she has prepared and then criticize her and the way she lives. She said if we don't like the way she is we can just stay home. We all sat in shock including her husband. He kept saying that we were just having fun and honestly and truly there was nothing mean or disrespectful said. She ended up leaving the table and when I tried to approach her she told me to leave her alone. We have had so much sadness and difficult times in the last few years and this seemed to be a special holiday. I just don't even know what to say to her and we are supposed to be going out of town tomorrow (me and her family). I am really heartbroken and I think this may cause a permanent split in the family. I never in a million years would have expected this from her and Im very sad. Caroline, I am so sorry-didn't mean to hijack your post. I do want to let you know I understand the pain and empty feeling you must have. Satine