Nice post, Pondy. My group 3 clematis are in bloom and stunning, even though they are young. Clematis always make me smile. The coneflowers look fantastic this year and I have a new cross in my garden: I believe it is between White Swan and Ruby Giant. The color is a soft pink, but not dull. It grew up alongside the White Swan, so I have to separate them later in the season. Sundown is in full bloom - I love the color. Although Amsonia 'Willow Blue Star' has finished blooming, it has seed pods, which I just noticed last night. I know little about this plant and I wasn't sure it was going to do well in my garden, but it really took off this year. The blooms lasted a long time and now the pods - it's a keeper. The hosta are doing so well, even after moving them in late spring. I took the advice from someone on the hosta forum who said that before replanting, bang the root mass on the ground to loosen the soil somewhat. I am a believer. Of course, all the rain has helped too. Most of the daylilies are just starting to bloom. I love how daylilies add color to the summer garden. The bright, almost shocking pink asiatic lily is in full glory. My tomato plants make me smile too as does the rest of my new vegetable and herb garden. I've been trying to grow herbs in pots for years, but never had much luck, especially with basil. The basil plants are huge and the Thai basil is gorgeous. I'm growing peppers for the first time and actually have peppers growing. I'll really be smiling if I get enough of everything to can salsa and spaghetti sauce. The dwarf and mini evergreens I bought last year survived and are doing well. I'm limited to arbs and junipers because of the neighbors black walnuts, so having interesting varieties like 'Sherwood Frost' and the golds is exciting for me. Although many gardeners don't like junipers, I have Sea Green and think it's beautiful with its arching branches.

minet - You are correct. Regular Notaries are only allowed to charge $10 per signature. DH was doing the Loan Doc Signings. Since you lved in OC, you're somewhat familiar with the area. DH covered a wide area - parts of north OC, parts of LA county, all the Inland Empire, Parts of Riverside and San Brdo. Counties. He also made occasional trips to the Victor Valley-(High Desert) and Big Bear. It was a lot of driving! Advertising popped up everywhere "Make Big Money - Become a Notary Public!" What happened to that retired guy you knew is also what happened to DH - they were finding people who would do it cheaper. I don't know how anyone made money doing signings for only $50.00. The only way is if one had a few per day and close together - like, in their own neighborhood! Plus, like I mentioned, more and more companies were requiring the Notary to print out the Loan Docs on their own - which took a lot more time and cost. OH, and another thing this one company did...they would just put the assignments up on computer - leaving it "up for grabs" for anyone. So, DH had to sit at computer all day long everyday and refresh every couple of minutes to see if something "popped up". (If he was out on a signing, he'd miss out on any new assignments) It got to the point it wasn't worth it anymore. ----------------- runninginplace - Yes, we are not married. Been together for over 20 years. I refer to him as "hubby" most times. "Significant Other" or "boyfriend" or "life partner" just sound odd to me. I sometimes refer to him as my housemate also. "Hubby" is just easy. Someone in a previous post mentioned my 1/2 should be protected. Not sure what that means...should I get out the chainsaw and cut the house in half? haha j/k! ------------ "DH" saw the attorney. (hubby also was able to get most of the file on this specific trx from the lender) Attorney told him to just keep all the info for now, but to NOT respond to the letters...and just wait to see if anything happens. DH hasn't heard anything since. I don't know what the statute of limitations would be on something like this. (Maybe the other guy's attorney told him he didn't have a case? I donno) -------------- And, yes, I was too busy to read the letter when he first presented it to me. DH had already told me most of the highlights in the letter. By the time I was mentally prepared & calm enough to read the letter, it was gone. He had taken it to attorney. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with things. I guess my way is different.

Dear Patty, I can imagine that this is so upsetting....I think, like LU says, it is best to discuss all her reports with the nurse manager on the unit. She may be misinterpreting something that is done, but nonetheless, it is frightening to HER. It is their job to try to minimize that kind of thing. I think it is normal for you to be grieving now. You have lost a big part of your lifestyle. My Mom was at home her entire illness, and I was like you....crying often because life was so strange and I missed our "normal life". Even if I took her to a movie or to shop, it was so sad because it was so different and she couldn't really enjoy it like she should have been able to, and I missed that fellowship. So, I think you are on target here, and it would be odd if you did not grieve for that. Splitting time with the nursing home is exhausting, and exhaustion makes you more prone to saddness and depression. My sister often told me that, and I think it was true. But when you are the sole caregiver, exhaustion is an everyday thing, and there is no way around it. Try to work in some time for yourself..things you find relaxing. Visit her as much as you feel you want to. But if you miss a visit, be reassured that she MAY not miss it. And that is to your benefit. Of course you can always revisit the idea of bringing her home...IF you can get the help you need. It is not an impossible undertaking, and perhaps you would have more peace of mind. I am so sorry for your turmoil. It is really very hard, isn't it. Thinking about you.. Shalom, Derry

Pesky, I didn't see your post earlier, but want to express my sympathy on this sad situation. I don't know if this might work in your case, but something I did when my dad needed help was to write letters to all of his doctors giving specific examples of his condition and the situation with my mother, who had lied to the doctors. They couldn't discuss his case with me, but I know the letters were read and most acted on them. We managed to get a geriatric specialist nurse and her assistant into my parent's condo, under the pretense of being worried about my mother's stress, and they confirmed the reported neglect and elder abuse. That led to my dad being placed in a very nice secure care facility for Alzheimer's patients. Your brother's case is clearly different, but perhaps you might be able to persuade his doctor(s) that he poses a danger to himself and others unless he gets appropriate treatment. FWIW, I'm a firm believer in gun ownership rights, and have a concealed carry permit. In this case, however, it might be a good idea to write a letter to the local law enforcement about your brother's illness, the threats he has made and your concern about weapons in the home. They might at least run a check to see if the guns were all obtained with appropriate permits or maybe some LEO would encourage your SIL to remove the weapons from the home, giving her the courage to follow through on your advice. Best of luck to you all.