Well, we probably shouldn't get started on the whole hunting vs non-hunting thing because it is too complex and volatile a subject. HAVING SAID THAT,if someone asked me what my stance was it would be simply this: I MIGHT be pro-hunting if everyone who hunted my property first filled out,in detail, a questionnaire completely profiling both their hunting ability and what level of awareness/respect they had for the animal and the life they were about to take. Only through this process of selection and elimination would I allow people to hunt my land, but since that is basically just a pipe dream, and since I know too well the reality of what kind of people hunt near me, I generally utter the word "hunter" with a curled upper lip. The sadness of this situation is that, once again, it's due to human intervention that the predators are no longer here, the deer are everywhere in unnaturally inflated numbers, and the ecosystem is starting to show the strain. And by the way, Scandia...I had a similar experience with a hunter myself in my own woods. A hunter, a man I know, levelled his shotgun at my chest about seven years ago. I was less than 35 yards away and wearing a fuschia colored sweatshirt because I didn't own any blaze orange. When he realized what he had nearly done he said he almost peed himself. I had always been indignant about the blaze orange rule...it was my property and there wasn't anyone allowed back there so by golly I was going to wear whatever I pleased. I learned a valuable lesson from that...I might have been right, but I would still have been dead. Now when I patrol my property I assume I am about to confront Larry, Darryl and Darryl and they all have coke-bottle glasses and can't see past ten yards AND I WEAR BLAZE ORANGE.

Jen, UT OH not good!!! Did the dogs get sick from all the food? I hope not. We went over to my brother in laws for their annual party. There were 16 people, it was a lot of fun until we figured they weren't going to win. The room went from all these guys being loud and obnoxious to being so quiet. It wasn't too much fun the last half hour or so. Always next year as I duck leaving the room. Lynda

So many people weighed in with good advice on your thread. All I know is not many families raise children without bumps and bruises. The teen years seem to be when everything that happened in the past needs to be aired and ironed out, in preparation for adult hood. The teen years can be rocky for everyone. It's called separation/individuation. The closer the relationship between parent and child, the rougher this process can be. Yet without it, your kids will be living at home when they are 40 years old. LOL! The best thing is that your DS and 'Sue' has a loving and supportive family. They are lucky to have you and your caring DH on their side. Let us know what is decided. Your DS must be overwhelmed with 5 kids. It sounds like there is a broad spectrum of needs, from baby needs to teen needs. BTDT. She needs to remember her teen needs her just as much as the babies. Maybe more so.

On pins-n-needles here. Wish Eagles would win but also impressed by Cards. Not sure Eagles could make in the big game - too wishy-washy. If they are in, I want them to win. Turning out to be a decent game though. Waitn' on the Pittsburgh game!!! Not a Ravens fan 'cause I'm from the next team over (that didn't make it), but that new QB is something else. Oh - Cards just scored agin...hmmm