Oh yeah, and while I'm on the subject, and since we've just had the hottest June on record down here in Southern Ontario, and "I'm lovin' it", here is my latest 'pet peeve' in the expression category. Are you ready for it? It's "This is God's Country". It's said when one is referring to a stretch of land the speaker lives in or stakes some kind of claim to belong to etc. Well folks, I've got news for you: I've been damn lucky to have visited (and continue to search out) more places in the world than many people will ever dream of seeing, and all and each of them are capable of being called "God's Country" for many reasons. You may feel you're in "God's Country" because the air is fresh and clean, because you have rivers and wildlife and miles and miles of wide open spaces and you may have a point. But a country is what it is - just a "country". It's all "God's country" really isn't it? And anyway, wherever you are, isn't it the "country of your mind" - the place you live in every second of every day -infinitely more deserving of the expression? I don't know why I mention this but I felt like throwing it in. I have a suggestion for you - next time you have a toast, say "Here's to God's Country" wherever you may be, and get out and enjoy it and quit watchin' TV.

>>Basically, sanitary reasons historically when no electricity availableAnd since we do have electricity available, there is no reason for a separate bidet? Is that what you're saying? Looks like you have to have your pants and undies completely off for a free standing bidet and that seems like a lot of extra trouble. Looks like the amt of water that sprays from geyser would take a washcloth or handtowel for drying. The Washlet has two rear washes with multiple speeds and one front with the same multiple speeds. All can oscillate and or pulse. Water temp varys from cold tap to about 102 or more (maybe). Has an air deoderizer and dryer. Let's not forget about the heated seat :) I don't know, maybe there is something more desireable about the stand alone bidet but I haven't figured it out :) And if I ever move (doubtful) the original seat is going on the Toto and my Washlet is coming with me! :) Monica

Well, I need to add my piece to this topic. I am in my 70's so have lived a while and seen a lot. While raising my kids, we had three different dogs. I'm not totally crazy about dogs, but the kids loved them. However, those dogs were trained... and I mean 'obedience classes.' Once, the Sheltie was in the front yard and a bunny hopped by. The dog was told to sit and stay and he did... quivering the whole time. The bunny almost rubbed noses with the dog! My dogs did not misbehave. Most, and I do mean most, of the dog owners I have encountered cannot say the same. Their animals are in control and have the owners trained! And for those comparing unruly children to dogs, I must say I have never had a child lick my toes in public, or stick their snuffling noses between my legs, or hump my leg... as happened sitting on a park bench (dog on long retractable lead). Children are not in the habit of jumping at or on me either. 'Poopsie' does not belong in stores, grocery or otherwise, or restaurants. (Howled over the lady who managed to leave her well loved hubby at home!) And let's not bring in the true trained service dog defense. We are talking animals here... pet animals. Even the best behaved can get nervous, frightened, and startled in public. They react, unpredictably, and may snarl, bite or relieve themselves. Ever walk by a parked car with window partially down and have a dog suddenly lunge at the window, growling... while the owner is in the vehicle? And the allergy thing is a valid consideration. While dogs are being used as the example, what if I have a pet (_____) and wish to have it accompany me on errands? We can fill in the blank to accommodate a boa constrictor that loves to hug me, a pet monkey that is oh so curious around new places, a large tropical parrot that occasionally squawks and flaps wings, even a very large rat on a leash. Trained and well behaved or not, these creatures belong in their homes... as do mommy's precious little fur ball.

"After my last parent died, by biggest regret was not having walking away from both of them completely at 18 years of age. All those additional years of trying, and caregiving, only resulted in more heartache and damage. Nothing good came of it." My father is still alive but I have a similar regret. Both of my parents were completely dysfunctional, abusive, and if I had a do-over knowing what I know now, I would walk away in my late teens before they did even more damage to me.Some of the worst decisions I ever made was from fear of my parents, parents who did nothing but instill a sense of fear and neglect in me. Catherine, I could be wrong but I suspect because of her age, you are worried she will pass away without you resolving the relationship. I felt the same way with my mother, I jumped through hoops to make things right and she still died without ever giving me what I needed from her, to basically feel loved and accepted on some level. Losing the opportunity to "fix things" was one of the hardest things about her death. But eventually I realized that she was never going to give me what I needed, she just wanted to keep manipulating me and abusing me because that was her thing, that was her power over me and she wasn't going to give that up. If you haven't got from her what you've always wanted and needed by now, it isn't coming.