I think everyone went to the kids this Christmas and decided to stay till after New Year's Day!!

I was thinking the same thing. There's too much time between responses. Have a Happy, Healthy 2006.

Actually, with regard to a person living alone being taken suddenly ill in one's abode, I posted a message a while ago that may be of help, for those who may not have seen it elsewhere.

My old uncle had three hip replacements and suffered severe pain in back, hip and leg but in his mid-80s insisted on keeping cattle in the barn. While his wife was alive, if he didn't return from chores in a reasonable time, she could take some action.

After her death - no wife - no action. So I stayed with him for most of a couple of months until his cattle went out to pasture.

We suggested that he get a warning system which had a box attached to the phone and a button to push that one wore on wrist or like a necklace, so that if one needed help one could push the button and the phone would call a central agency who would then call a list of people who were to be notified in case of trouble.

Some have an additional feature that allows the dispatcher at the agency to speak to the person who is in trouble.

Good idea to provide such people with a key - if one wants to avoid having windows/doors broken.

Uncle resisted the idea for a time, but finally signed up and got the system operational a few months before his death.

Costs about $25. - 30. installation and about $25. - 30. monthly maintenance.

Also, I have suggested that everyone living alone should have a phone sitting on a side table, rather than having only phones attached to the wall.

If one breaks a bone and can't get up off of the floor, the phone on the wall is of no use, but s/he might be able to crawl over to a table and use the phone cord to pull it off of the table if s/he can't reach up that far.

A simple change like that in one's home could be a lifesaver.

Good wishes to all for a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year with a goodly number of friends with whom to share one's ideas, interests and fellowship.

ole joyful

I think a flashlight on the floor is a good idea too.

Minnie ...

... you light up my life!

ole joyful

I read once that people in earthquake areas should keep a bottle of water, a flashlight and a knife in each room.

In my bathroom that has no windows I have an empty kitty litter bucket that has a flashlight, extra batteries, knife and other things in it. (for bad storms or tornados.) I keep a GI Joe helmet on a hook too haha.