OOPS!!! Sorry I didn't know that about Jan. 1 being "everybody's" birthday, if a specific date isn't given. Oh well, Happy Birthday, whenever it is. :>) Mwoods, your statement about each year bringing "joy, laughter, and some tears" is so true. None of us ever knows what's ahead for us. But, as my DH says, "It's been a trip, but I wouldn't change any of it!"

Thank you all, my dear, dear friends. Yesterday we had one of those days here at our house -- no water for 36 hours, Freya sneaking a pizza off the kitchen counter, and the smell of fresh polyurethane pervading the cold, damp house.... On the other hand, I had the loving affection of Tom and my DS Jacob, calls and cards from family, and greetings from all of you. And tonight we're going out to dinner to try celebrate again. Carla, Luanne, Jon, Anita, Lori, Ingrid, Sue, Carolina, Pamela, and Carol -- each one of your messages brought smiles and memories to my mind. I just realized that with the exception of Ingrid, I know each one of you in the Real World (as opposed to online) -- Ingrid, we'll just have to correct that soon. The only birthday wish I have left (besides more rain) is to hope that I get to see you all again as frequently and as soon as may be. Rosefolly

Thanks all! We got back about 5:00. Spinal block/epidural was a BREEZE! SOOOOO much less painful than the thing i had in GA in 2005! Offered instant easing of ankle pain and a slight improvement in hip pain. May take a couple of weeks to determine if I need another one. At least if I do, I will not be scared at all. Saw the Spine surgeon this afternoon and we will continue with non-surgical treatments since they seem to be improving my pain level and movement. Told him that I had no idea WHY we were told to wee him, he said my orthopedist just wanted him to review the MRI since that is "his ting". I see the orthopedist Wed and hope that I am released to start back driving and stuff. Still have weakness in my left leg so we will see. I am no longer taking narcotics for the pain so I am ecstatic about that. Glad to have those things out of the house! Can start treating with over the counter and "normal prescription" meds unless I have problems. I emailed my students that we would not have class Wed but they have to outline the 70-80 pages that they had to read this week and turn that in. Not sure if they will be happy about it but the professor warned them last week that it was a possibility. At least they don't have to sit in the 3-hour class this week! Eric plans to return to work Satruday if I can drive and the MD okays me to be alone. I am SOOOO happy to be in the living room instead of upstairs int he bedroom. Is the first time I have seen a TV since LAST Sunday. Will keep all of you posted on my Wed MD visit and thanks for the prayers. I met a nice lady at the pain center and we visited while we waited for our shots and then to be released. That helped, probably should have told her to come here, she would have fit right in, lol.

Kartwheel, yoohoo!!!are you here? Are you stuck somewhere in that game? Linda