Gas is $3.88 here! It's absolutely ridiculous. The crisis in New Orleans is also over the top. We're spending millions of bucks and have our military in other countries and we can't handle a flood situation on our own land. The military is slow getting in, babies and the elderly are dying, no water or food, and gangs are threatening people with guns. Not to mention the rapes and deaths happening in our (loose term) "disaster shelters". You'd think the government would have plan for a city that's built below sea level. They could take a lesson from Denmark. What a waste of our country's thinking minds, caught up without government funding and now a city that's completely out of control. Arg. Okay, now back to the regularly scheduled board: Dee: Congrats on your anniversary! Did you say you were going to a psychic party? If so, spill about it----what happened? Oh! And thanks for the Janet link! So hows Kimberly faring? MagicKitty~ Good job on the diabetes diet. Glad it seems to be working. My friend's 9 yr old was just diagnosed with diabetes and they're adjusting well. Raeanne~ Well, I hope your ribs are healing well. OUCH! The concert sounded fun. I love any sort of live music though! The girls and I saw some cool shows in Vegas. Marci~ I remembered your surgery was the 31st. Glad to hear your fine. Rest easy, will you? Heal fast! Kindergarten story: When I picked up my DD on her first day of school, (long ago), I asked her if she had a good day, and she replied, VERY loudly, "OF COURSE, YOU HORSE!" Hmmmm... I'm glad THAT nickname didn't stick.... HNSuzanne~ Have a great trip and enjoy the wedding festivities! Are you still doing fat flush? How's it going? Hope you are getting some updates on your mom, even if you aren't able to visit her. That must be hard for you. I'm sure you've written her expressing your feelings and all of that, but maybe she'd welcome the contact if you sent her a phone card or something----or just showed up? Anyway, (((((((HUGS))))))))). Happy belated Birthday, Jen and Tikanas! I was off on my trip when you all celebrated! Jen, I hope your headaches have settled down. I can relate to headaches - mine were due to a thyroid problem, as well as diet, I suppose. It was such a relief when they stopped. I will be thinking of Erica on the 9th. But she'll be thinking of those Dora boots, I'm sure! Tikanas~ Did you get all caught up on your home biz? It's nice to be your own boss, but working from home is SO, SO hard! Along with being a single mom, it must wear you out some days! Gretchen~ (((((((HUGS))))))) on your loss. There's an Eskimo tale that says the stars that shine at night are the souls of the loved ones. I love that thought. Peace to you. I love the photo of your dad and you. Lovely. Maddie! Have you been rolling in your dough? I remember when you talked about that before. It must be so fulfilling to have a successful business even though it's hard work. You sound like you're doing it full time and enjoying it! Will your mom be okay with phone calls? I know you expressed concern over not getting to see her; would she be okay with talking on the horn? Enjoy the corn dawgs! Fair season is almost over! Besh~ CONGRATS on your weight loss! WOW! It really works! Bet you feel great! Speaking of weight loss, JOHN! Great job, skinny! The excitement you have for exercise is so refreshing! And you activities sound like a blast with you GF! I hiked the Red Rock Canyon while in Vegas---BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I would like to try the prickly pear sorbet you mentioned--- that sounds delish! My teen kids have been getting me the DVD versions of Six Feet Under as they come out and were watching them together. Quite eye-opening for them! We all love it! Big fans, we are. Well, I gotta tackle my list and get some appointments made. Listed a piece of property last night and got a full price offer with an escalation clause this morning. Must be their dream property. It's is a gorgeous piece, but I've got my eye on something else to buy. Gotta get back to the paperwork-----WORK! Make it a good one!

WOW !!!

.............DOWN............

Once a parent ... always a parent ... unless our kid(s) (all) kick(s) the bucket. And even after such a dreadful loss ... I think we'd still be a "parent". Both of mine still alive ... and vibrant. Had a half-hour chat this morning with daughter in AZ ... who called to wish her loved Dad "Happy birthday!" o j