Hi Rosemary, I am sorry that you are feeling rather isolated from your young ones. It sounds as though they are either in process of, or on the verge of, getting more and varied responsibilities. As you realize, and a number have said, even the nearby ones sometimes don't visit a lot, though there are more opportunities of seeing the grands (even if for babysitting). And one can get a fleeting glimpse of them from time to time. Rosemary, do you find that you sit at home quite a lot? Don't sort of stew in your own juice, I hope. Have you found some social, church, sport, community, etc. functions where you can meet new friends? How about some volunteer activities? There are many people who find it hard to get around, or are lonely, who would apprciate a friend. In our area they have organized a goup of younger seniors who help some older ones do chores in their home, to permit them to live there longer. There's Meals on Wheels in a number of areas, and driving people dealing with cancer for treatment, etc. We've heard of Big Brothers and Big Sisters but I haven't heard of Big Grannies (Oh! Oh! I think I made a boo-boo!) but many families with children have the Grands at a long distance, so could use some substitutes. When we were in Korea, our children used to call a number of the other unrelated adults Aunt Helen and Uncle Frank. Our chilfren's mother was head of food service in major hosp. for 20 years and I overseas missionary for several years, parish clergyperson, liberal protestant, for a number of years, then a personal financial advisor for several. Our children were taught by both parents to choose their own way, and I've often said that it seems to me that one of my main jobs as a parent is to help my offspring prepare themselves for independence. Two children, both in their 40s, no grands. My daughter is rather footloose. She spent a year in Hamburg near the end of H.S. (2nd last?) and later a recent German immigrant, initially speaking German to me, thought that daughter spoke it so well that she'd learned it at home. She spent a few years in AZ a few years ago, then was connected to a S O 120 mi. away for several years, but now breaking up and she's moving to back to AZ - planning to buy a place and taking her stuff with her. So helping her move the last of it to storage on Sunday was rather bittersweet. Serious business. Bachelor son lived in Toronto, 120 miles away, for several years, and here in London for a number of years recently, and we have spent quite a lot of time together. He hasn't had a driving licence and I've driven him around quite a bit in rcent years. He'll be getting his licence back soon. Their mother died in this city about three years ago and they were busy for some time disposing of her assets and selling her home. I've always felt rather close to daughter (her mother and I parted when she was 6, son was 9). AZ is a long way away. I've done some long distance driving, going 1,600 mi. from here through U.S. to Sask. several times. But I'm nearing 80, and my son is making objecting noises about my idea of driving 1,600 mi. out there for family reunion at brother's farm in July. Would also like to visit former colleagues in British Columbia, and son doesn't like that idea. Also have some idea of visiting NC (former overseas workers' reunion) and GA (niece's family) at the end of July. Daughter is thinking of attending family reunion at my brother's in Saskatchewan in early July, I said maybe get one way ticket, we drive her home to AZ, then I head for NC. Son doesn't like that idea, either. This business of his vetoing my major travel is a new thing. So I am feeling rather bereft at the idea of "losing" daughter. We call back and forth and send emails. I have an old computer but may upgrade to one that will allow me to have a mike and webcam. But, living in the country and unwilling to use satellite, I am confined to landline and am not sure whether webcam works on that. M a y be sl o w m o t i o n! Rosemary, I hope that you find ways to alleviate some of the sadness and emptiness (empty nest syndrome?) that have been part of your experience lately. And not just some sort of stop-gap alleviation, but some ways of operation which will prove increasingly satisfactory over the long term. ((((((Rosemary)))))) ole joyful

Thanks, sleeperblues, for starting another thread. I missed it on the other post. Sunny: I've thought of you and your son everyday since I added him to my daily prayer list. I just want to let you know I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that He will give you and your family the peace that passes all understanding. Shirley

Kswl, glad you liked the tree topper. I love blue and white and have so much in the house, from various plates (antique and contemporary Spode and Burleigh etc) to some Asian pieces and my cobalt blue Bluestar range, but I've never done a tree. Maybe now that we are empty nesters : ) . Mtn, I could happily buy at least one of everything on her website!

Mantis, Pink Tarantula is back in top blooming form. Last year was an outlier for some reason with moderate blooming. Curisoity Cat is a nice bloomer and I enjoy it for the form and the colr. Thanks, Kate...I am glad Crazy Kate is going to bloom. It is a nice big pretty bloom. Glad blue Dolphin is giving you blooms too. Nice spots in a rough year. Thank you, Julia. I hope your Bob Marley gives you nice clumps, It is a great color. I always like to see garden photos and I don't know how much longer there will be great blooms. kay