You guys are super! David, you are too kind! I promise I will let you know if I need some help, but I am hoping that with the new techniques available, I won't be TOO restricted in what I can do. Barb, I'm seeing the doctor again on the 16th to see how my nerve damage is responding to the cortisone treatments, and I will get all the info at that time on what the other surgery will entail. We didn't go into it on my last visit, as the priority at that time was getting some immediate relief from the extreme pain in the top of my right foot. But never fear. I will have all the particulars down pat before I consent to the procedures. The only thing I know she mentioned was a "3-month recovery time" for each foot. But that could be anything from a full cast to a walking cast to just restricted use after the first week or something like that. It might not be anywhere near as bad as last time (I hope, I hope). But you guys are so nice to offer to come help me out! I can't believe it! And now that Kate and David have made it sound like so much fun...well. I may have to have you all come over, even if I'm in no need whatsoever! Who could resist? The company would be superb! In the meantime, I've noticed that my nerve pain (as opposed to the arthritis) is not bothering me nearly as often, though I still can't put a shoe on that even touches the top of my foot. I CAN walk better than before the shot, but when it does hurt, it hurts MORE. Don't know what any of that means. Maybe another shot or two would make it go away. Will let y'all know after the 16th. Don't worry. You can't keep a gal like me down for long! Thanks for all your well wishes. Hugs to ALL! Marcia

LOL! Sorry I'm late, but this thread is hilarious :) If you plan to live in your house...design it for living. If you entertain, design it for entertaining. If you live alone and never have anyone over, no kids, no pets, etc...then you can have a show home. But take lots of pictures, because it's the only way anyone will ever see it. Just my two cents.

Ann, you need a (((((((BIG HUG)))))))). I thought it happened to me only. 7 yrs. ago, I went through almost the same thing. I was also office manager and +++++ duties. I was so devasted when found out that the owner, my boss, disappeared. His family couldn't even find him. He got into drugs & alcohol and hopped from one motel to another so we couldn't tracked him down. Then, he was using company money on his hotel living & drugs & alcohol. The bank account would be empty as soon as I deposited some checks that we collect for the business. When we were able to track him down, he would signed several checks and disappeared again. After a couple of times, his brother got smart and had him signed several blank checks before he did the disappearing act again. I got smart and as soon as I collected some money for the company, I'd deposit them and cashed my paycheck at the same time before it went empty. Not only I had to take care of the business but his family too! I had to comfort his wife and took her to take care of business. He normally took care of financial things so his wife had no clue what to do, even paying a bill! After several months, he finally went to rehab and got back with the company. While, he was at rehab, I went to look for another job. Fortunately, I found another job just in time of him getting back with the business. I later found out that I was hired due to my reputation of holding up the company until the owner got back. It was 4 months of hell so I understand what you're going through! If your husband is disabled and you're paying mortgage, you may want to checkout the link below to see if there's any assistant that could help you. I've read somewhere about reverse mortgage that you may want to check out too. Here's a link that is for Houston but it explains what it is: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/rmtopten.cfm You may want to do a Google search and see if there's one for your area. Also, does your county have a disability homestead for your residential property tax? I'm disabled and live in Houston. We have that discount for disabled homeowner which cuts my tax in 1/2 just about. If I find anything else, I'll let you know. Wish you lots of love and kindness toward this rough season and the new year coming. Here is a link that might be useful: Disability Info.

I have what looks very much like the same thing. I spent some time with a family in Barcelona back in the 60's. They gave me this as a gift when I left. I can only tell you what it was used for when it was given to me. During the last evening and the last meal my host brought it out with red wine in it. He had pushed a round tooth pick in the small hole. He then lifted the vase above his head and poured the wine in a very small stream onto his forehead and made it run down the side of his face into his mouth. He then presented it to me to try. After many tries and getting red wine all over my shirt I did it also. Not sure if that is all they are used for. I never did ask. Just a wonderful memory that will last forever.