Oooh, ya know, I forgot about Ava. She is such a cutie. I'm sure she has really grown up now. Pics would be great. I remember the tricycle pic - sooo sweet. Funny, everytime I think about getting a camera, I think about all the tips and pics Michael posted. I still don't have the camera, but I have to tell you, the camera he purchased is a hit in so many places. I'm still thinking about it. I wonder if Michael will post some winter scenes too. Michael reminds me of an old friend - the one I traveled with all the time - a good guy with lots of personality and smarts that loved to have fun just living life. You know I've never met Michael, but he really comes across as someone that would add that spark to life just by being there. He seems to have a lot of wisdom and common sense - what you need to get along in this life.

So glad to see you, JC, Barbara, Chargreen, and Tinmantu. Barbara, how did the conference go? The new dress and the party? JC, as always, I love your perspective. Yes, I see a difference between newly single and those that are "confirmed" single. I hope we help all to be comfortable with both. Chargreen, I am waiting for some vacation days to get out and play in the dirt. Right now, I only have time to pull weeds and mow. I want to dig and plant. I may come home from my mother's with a dog. My sister is going thru a divorce. She has a five month old german sheperd, which she cannot keep. Sigh. I did want a dog since the break=in. But conceeded I dont have a secure enough fence. Two sides are only four foot picket. Deteriotaring, falling down, and propped up. I have a screened in back porch. It wont keep in a dog determined to get something on the outside. I told my sister, I would be last resort. If she could not find anyone, I would take her till she could find a suitable home. Why do I feel so bad? I grew up around German Shepherds. My family breed and showed them. I was a handler. The one dog we had and I handled was Best of Show in Dallas, Tx. Since leaving home, I had two minature Schnauzers. Wonderful dogs. I have two cats, indoor only. The screened in porch is their taste of outside. I don't know how to incorporate the dog and the cats. Maybe since the dog is young. I have posted this question before on the Pet's forum. So, it is my release. I dont know what to do. I sooo want to help and I feel sooooooo guilty.

Tinamntu, do you know how many days it would take to get a second or third estimate? It has just now hit 100, and everyones A/C is not working just right, I know you do! I had an old retired guy from the A/c business to service and repair for me years ago. He replaced the motor, at the amount you quoted from the supply company and did not charge me retail. Sigh, he is gone. I know I could have gone to the supply store and got it myself, but time from work and the repair person is going to look and me say? So I paid $225, plus one service call, even though they came out twice. So now a little poorer, but AHHHHHHHH, I will pick your brain later when I start getting estimates on a new system, if I may? I have been reading the h&A forum for a year, so I am overloaded with info. Do I want a Carrier, well, I dont know until I know I can afford it, and then I need three bids. So on. And I ask people, well most just bought the house with an existing system. So it seems only those with new builds would know. It is tough to get info. These systems last 20-30 years, but the contractor then is not usuallly here now putting them in. Sorry all, I am way off topic. AHHHHHH, it is cooling down!!!!!

No, Tinmantu, you are not wierd. You are very much like my brother. He is very polite and respectful to all people and he opens doors for everyone. I do the same thing. When I first started dating Robby, many moons ago, we were going into a restaurant. He was in front of me and opened the door to the restaurant. I heard a noise and looked back, but I kept walking and ran right into the CLOSED door! He didn't keep it open for me! He died laughing from the other side of the door, with greasy nose print on the glass. LOL I think it's just thoughtful and respectful to open doors for each other--a simple act of common courtesy. And it takes very little effort. Tardiness is a bad sign too. I'm always punctual and I hate having a date or meeting with someone and they're late. I have a friend who is constantly late for our lunch dates, so I rarely go to lunch with her anymore. I arrive on time and she's 30 minutes late. Did I mention phones? Mobile phones are good--for emergencies. But I hate to be out with someone and they're talking on the phone instead of being with me. It's just annoying. When I was growing up, if we had company and the phone rang, Mom would answer the phone. But she'd tell the other party, "I have company right now. Let me call you back later." Then she'd visit with her company and return the call when company had left. Tinmantu, and you other guys out there, what are turn offs for you when dating? Clue us gals in on some do's and don'ts. Casper