Last fall while I was digging the garlic beds, DS collected lots and lots of earthworms and we started 4 worm buckets (for a cub scout project). They were earthworms, not compost worms, so they were slower to digest stuff than they might have been, but he still got a kick out of it. Last weekend the kids hijacked my potato planting, DD wanted to plant her spring bulbs and DS wanted to harvest his worms. After DD planted her bulbs, DS went around puting worms into the loose soil over the bulbs so they would have an extra boost. When DD realized what he was doing she had a fit! "Eeeeuuuwww, I hate worms!" He was very offended, giving her a lecture on how good it was to have worms in the garden. He also would have dug his worms back up, if I had let him. Last year we planted our spare tomato seedlings at my mom's house, in a new raised planter. DS put a handful of worms at the base of very tom that went in the ground. As far as he is concerned, the worms are more important than the castings! ;-) Catherine, mom to 8-yo b/g twins

Yes. That truck's switch is at the back of the master cylinder connected to a T fitting under the vehicle. Bad idea. It was subject to road damage,ice,water, and half the time the plactic top where the wires connect would crack and leak. Brake lights would usually stay on because the fuild was on both sides of the diaphragm. My 53 chev had the same setup. Hard to put a switch on the peddle when it comes up from the floor. Haven't looked at the truck but my chev had a momentary spring loaded switch bolted to the transmission case. A 2 inch lever was pushed back by the shift linkage as it was put into reverse for the backup lights. Was looking at the manual for my truck and it had optional air brakes or vacumm boost. Brakes on this thing are standard. Good thing, i guess. Got a phone call this morning. No idea who this guy is or how he got my number but he offered me $2000.00 for my truck. Thought about it. NOT. I haven't heard it run on all 8 and haven't even taken it for a hoot down the road. I'm starting to like that old girl. It's a good looking truck. give you an idea of how long it sat. I found a 1 inch round 6 foot tall poplar growing out of the moss on the wooden box where it connects to the deck. Been snowing now for 48 hours so have to cut more wood. Mind you it seems to warm up when it snows. It's only -13C. pretty nice outside. The old lady wants butter tarts and short bread for christmas so i'll guess i'll get at it and keep her happy. She comes home friday night.

I don't know if it is even an option but what about the new procedure with Laser. I have rescued animals for years. If I found them a home, fine. If I didn't find them a home they stayed with me. Sassy is a full blooded lab I rescued years ago, now 10. She could not get up where I had to physically get my arms around her the best I could and lift her up. My vet explained about the new laser treatment where they run a laser over the problem area. Sassy had 2 sessions and is much better unless she's on tile or the wood floor. She is also on Deramax. I may not have spelled that right. My vet told me that there have been amazing results. Normally the max is 6 sessions, if needed. I saw the difference almost immediately. Sassy was getting up by herself after the 2nd session. They cost $60 a session. She's not as good as she used to be but neither am I. Getting older does change things. I do hope perhaps this is an option. Saying goodbye does not get easier, it hurts even more now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care Lynn in Alabama

Sending you hugs. One thing that no one has mentioned but does help some people, is to look to nature. Just being outside in a garden, park etc where it is quiet, looking at the flowers, plants, animals, birds does help me when I need it. Pick up some copies of Birds and Blooms, or other magazines from Remain. They have some wonderful stories, pictures that do put life in perspective. If you need some, just ask. Many of us do subscribe and will be glad to send you a few. Marie