Ed, maybe these poems will inspire your thinking: Children Learn What They Live If a child lives with criticism, they learn to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive, If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves, If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. But do not despair ... If a child lives with tolerance, they learn to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, they learn confidence. If a child lives with praise, they learn to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, they live with justice. If a child lives with security, they live to have faith. If a child lives with approval, they learn to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship. they learn to find love in the world. � Dorothy Law Nolte Love Me For Me Dear Mom and Dad, My hands are little -- I don't mean to spill my milk, My legs are short -- Please - slow down so I can keep up with you, When I touch something bright and shiny, Please don't slap my hands. Please look at me when I talk to you. I just need to know you're listening. Let me make mistakes without feeling stupid -- My feelings are delicate. Please don't expect the bed I made to be perfect -- Just Love me for trying. Remember, I am a child -- not an adult. Sometimes I don't understand the things you say. Please just love me for being me, Not for the things I can do. I love you mom and dad. You're all I have. � Unknown

Library was closed. Salvaged the last of the tomatoes, and it was a beautifully warm day for some other work in the garden. Something like 3/4 of the tomatoes rotted on the vine, many of them before changing colour. I'm freezing the bags of salvaged ones today. Son in Texas, so my turkey was limited to a few pieces - plus pumpkin pie. ole joyful

Just spent part of the afternoon arranging with stockbroker to make a gift of stocks that have gone up in value to a major charity, to distribute to a number of others. When I cash the stock, put the proceeds in the bank and write cheques to the charities, come tax time I have to deduct the purchase price from the sale price and pay income tax at regular rate on half of the difference. But when I donate them to a charity, I avoid paying income tax on the capital gain. For the past couple of years I've been able to avoid federal income tax ... largely by gifts to charities, churches and making political contributions. We had both federal and provincial elections last year, so larger political contributions, and larger charitable contributions, helped avoid tax on an increase in income, last year. I like them apples better! ole joyful.

Well, olejoyful - it must feel great to be missed by so many caring people! I for one am delighted you feel up to gardening which I consider A1 therapy for anyone. If I lived closer and your friend was unable to have lunch with you, I would surely try to worm my way in as I love good food and wonder what you two usually eat when you get together. Bless you, and please continue to feel better every day.