Pearl Harbor affected many (if not most) people greatly, including my husband's uncle Robert, who felt compelled to join the Army Air Corps after the attack. Hence his involvement later on in the war, namely in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre. He flew with a P40 fighter group (80th; 88th & 89th squadron) called the Burma Banshees (since their planes produced a wailing sound that put the fear of the Corps into the Japanese :D), which utilized skull heads as nose art (unlike the famous Flying Tigers' grinning shark mouths). His plane was christened Dikam Death, in honor of the terrible feeling he'd have the day after partaking in a local alcoholic brew. :D He had 2 confirmed kills during his time in the Corps, and his stories are always fascinating. Just hearing the excitement in his voice and seeing the memories in his eyes is beyond words. On June 2nd, Uncle Robert will be 87 years young. We thank him every time we visit him, and let him know just how much we appreciate what he did for our country. Brenda

haha, thanks, taureau. Thanks, Sammy. I have a couple of photography websites I go to and read up on how-to's and such. I subscribe to 2 photography magazines. I also browse bookstores and camera stores for instructional books, and have about 5 or 6. I just bought one Saturday that I'm excited to have, and can't wait to give a try - it's about classic Hollywood portraits (from the 20's through the 50's) and how to set up the same lighting. My daughter has picked out a picture of Norma Shearer that she wants me to try to duplicate: photographer George Hurrell and I found one of Vivien Leigh that I want to try with her: photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull Wish me luck! haha Sis

I'm hoping to get there on the day of the MA swap. I've only been once, and have to agree with Mindy that the owner is really great. And, not only does he stock plants that are hard to find, interesting and varied, the plants are incredibly well cared for. You don't come home with something already thinking what you'd need to do to get it to look good - it's been done, and done right. I wish I lived closer.

Back online - started writing and my computer died - AGAIN! Anyway, as had started to say, you don't have to love her. It's just nice to have company. Sometimes the more mature relationships are just that - whatever you want it to be. You just appreciate and enjoy each other. HOWEVER, if she still doesn't know you aren't going anywhere, hmmmm.... She may do all of that naturing - cleaning, etc., as a way of justifying herself. She just may not have the self confidence to realize that the nurturing isn't what she is. That's a tough one - you want to hang in there and prove that's not the case, and help her to realize her worth. But also, why would someone want to have to walk on eggshells all the time; making sure she felt secure. Best wishes on that one!!