Nana, thanks, she was very appreciative. Punk, I actually should have said vintage, I bought the napkin rings decades ago. F2BH, I had to go to several different DT stores as I found the B-day glasses, but the 1st store only had one of that pattern, and I didn't like the other pattern as well. So it took about 4 stores to find all 4 the same. Marlene, that pie is a favorite of hers and when we got to the restaurant, they did not have one in the case. I explained why I "needed" it and they found one in the back, fresh out of the oven!! Jeanne, I thought the plates were so pretty and eye-catching, I bought 8 of them. I plan to use them in our retirement home. Missy, thank you. Kathe, sorry, but it was a very small pie! LOL Maybe we can go to lunch sometime and have a piece for dessert. Thanks again everybody, Candy

I'm here too, but mired in laundry and flyers for two mailings that I am labeling for my sister. I tried Pilates for the first time last week and I like it a lot. Now that isn't saying that I am good at it, but I feel like I can improve with time and I definitely think I will see a difference in my muscle tone. I am still going to Curves 3 times a week and walking 2 miles whenever I get the chance. I feel in control of my exercise and for the most part, I feel in control of my eating. I had to get weighed when I went for my checkup a few weeks ago and I wasn't happy with the number on the scale. But I do have to remember that I have gained muscle from Curves and muscle weighs more than fat. But from the way my clothes fit, I was surprised that the number on the scale wasn't lower. I guess that just proves that the scale isn't always the best measure of success. Mentally I felt exhaused last week. Too many phone calls and events that upset me and I couldn't shake that uneasy feeling that life was spiraling out of control. But this is a new week and I am hoping life doesn't hold any more surprises (at least unpleasant surprises) for me this week. I only have to work 3 days and then I get 5 days off. April is full of fun activities at school (field trips, ventriloquist, pony rides, etc.). I think April will fly and that means that summer will be here before I know it. Jen - I am glad the doctor's have found the reason for Erica's continued illnesses. Used to be every one got their tonsils out. But I think doctor's are more cautious these days. We are dealing with the Rota virus at preschool right now. Last week we only had 6 kids in our T-TH afternoon class. The 6 girls had a blast. We relaxed the rules a bit and let them play longer, choose whatever table they wanted to sit at and they got 2 snacks instead of one. But I am hoping everyone is healthy and ready to return on Tuesday, since that is their Easter party. DeeMarie - I don't know if I offered congratulations on your success with WW. WooHoo!!!!! I can feel your excitement and determination coming right through the computer screen! Keep up the good work. NHSuzanne - I am tired just thinking of hefting 100 bales of hay! I walked 2 miles today and did 20 minutes of Pilates then had to sit down and rest! Hope you are learning lots at your class today. BJ - When are you getting that computer fixed?? We miss you. Besh - We haven't heard much from you lately. Read any good books lately? Gretchen - What is the news on the sale of the company. Have you worked out the financial details yet? Raeanne - Pictures! We want pictures of your latest vacation for the album. Amy - Do you want me to include Heather's picture in the SS album? She is a fine looking cat. Speaking of the album, I was fooling around with my new scanner and I added a few new pictures to the album. Patti - I am stilling wondering where you are. Did you get my last email about scanning the photos? Joanne - Check in and let us know how you are feeling. SusieQ - We haven't heard from you in awhile. How was your DD's recital. If you have pictures you want in the SS album, let me know. Just sent me an email by clicking on My Page. Maddie - I loved the sound of your new "do". My stylist wanted me to consider highlights the last time I was there. But I have never colored my hair and I told her I had to think about it. She said that what she had in mind would be subtle and would grow out if I didn't want to continue. So I am thinking of trying it for the summer. Chris - How is tax season going? I don't have my apolloniazoo email anymore, so if you want to email me, just click on My Page. Are you still going to Curves? John - How is the job situation? Anymore interesting interviews? Well, I need to go marinate some chicken for dinner and slap on some more labels. Later, Marci

Lets not forget that vacations are also much more liberal there too. My husband is from Europe and when he came here to live, he was shocked to see that we only get an average of 2 weeks vacation. In Russia, the minimum was 4 weeks and in Sweden they get 5! I would say do what's right for you and your family first. If DH can (and wants) to go on his own during his business trip, great but if not, then that is a huge amount of money to spend for one night and a lot for your in-laws to expect from you and your husband. After all, MIL wasn't willing to pay for it once she saw how much it cost, why should she expect you to? It's not reasonable. I have to add that last January, my mother also turned 80 and also wanted all the family together for her special day. She's in California so a lot closer but we're in Michigan and I have a sister in Texas. Rather than put any of us on the spot, she paid for all of us (7 total) to fly to California to celebrate her day. On her 75th birthday, we missed a surprise party the sisters in California gave her. Once I said we couldn't afford it, she was very understanding, more so than my sisters were. :c) So I've sort of been in those shoes and can totally understand the duress you're feeling; I hope it ends well and they finally understand your side of things. If not, ask them if they'd be willing to split the bill with you so you can afford to go. When I said that to one of my sisters, she backed off fairly quick. :c)

Thank you EVERYONE, and Happy Birthday Sadie! Yes, ice cream was involved. After getting off, Esther met me, and we headed back for a BIG container of Chocolate Almond, "our flavor". :) We had our own nice spoons, and didn't quit till it was all gone. Esther has a picture on her phone, that I hope she will mail later. All in all, I have never been there that long on my birthday before. LOL Moni