Gosh, I hadn't even clicked over here for awhile. Used to be the word "conversations" would be blue if there were new messages--mine had stayed red so I didn't think anyone had been here! Anj, it is good to have you popping in again finally and I really love seeing all your projects. Hope you do really well at the craft fair. There's a craft show nearby starting tomorrow, and I'm meeting up with one of the gals from the Holiday forum for it and lunch. I've asked my friend next door to watch the homefront for me so I can relax and enjoy it. Belle, you are so sweet and I can tell you do understand the challenges. All prayers are very much appreciated. I have learned to "take one day at a time" and not think too much! LOL I will have to try your antihistamine trick, there are times I really need it! Yes, there are many funny moments and we have to laugh at those and not think about the cause. I'm so blessed that DH has kept his sense of humor and really laughs at a joke or funny comment. The other morning, he was having some difficulty sitting up to get out of bed and finally succeeded after some "reminders" from me. When he stood up, I said "Houston, we have lift off!" and he got the biggest laugh out of that. I love to hear him laugh. I'm so excited that you and Anj are painting! And so many wonderful things too! I actually have a little Halloween project started, just need to do the shading and details now. I am really "rusty" and out of practice, haven't painted hardly at all for several months now. I need it though, it gives me pleasure and is a good stress reducer too! Belle, I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I hope he will find a way to keep playing cards with all of you, he will need that! I'm glad we sent some of our hot weather your way--I don't like it when we get into the three digits! We're still in the 90's but supposed to be in the upper 80's this weekend. So good that your family comes out to help with projects. I'm with you, I'd love to have a housekeeper. It's not that I mind doing housework so much--it's that it never stays done! LOL I've seen Punk over on holidays, so maybe she will pop over here soon for an update. Take care, Luvs

My first and almost immediate reaction for C3 was 'cease fire'. But that should have been C's, not S's. 'Sizzling fire'' was my second guess. Finally sometime yesterday afternoon, I got 'Forest fire'. And wondered how I could be so dense for so long. And for D3, even with the hints, no way I ever could have gotten that. Knowing what it is, it's a very good (clever) depiction, but it's just not something that would ever come to my mind. It might have helped if I knew how to pronounce it or spell it, but I doubt it. I did get the rest of them right, so there is that. As always, thank you, Jasdip, for posting these puzzles. They are fun, educational, and brain exercising! Rusty

Joanne, my grandfather built his house with functioning shutters and the slats pointing down. His relatives came to visit from the old country and told him the shutters were upside down. So he switched them. Within a year he switched them back. Most people in the US don't close their shutters, nor did Grandfather, so the rainwater ran down the back of the slats and started to mold and rot. So, if you plan to use your shutters, you've installed them properly. If you don't plan to use them, flip them.

Your table is beautiful! I love the colors— had a suit in the 1980’s that was pink and navy and wore it out. It’s so lovely to see someone using their china and silver ❤️ I have set our table for the Sunday after Valentine’s for our family dinner. It’s very similar to last year; I haven’t gotten out all the hearts and special accessories yet. The settings with preschool grandchildren are by necessity more engaging than elegant.