Good for you. I'd say if you had the persistence to do this, then you should take on the county health department for your greywater system. It will be hard work - or at least at-times-possibly-frustrating work - but it sounds like you have the commitment to see it through. Congrats (and good luck with the greywater system!) :) Dee

My DH just received his MAster's Degree this past weekend. I bought him a custom made frame for his Degree. The company is great to work with and the frame is gorgeous! Here is their website: http://www.usadiplomaframes.com/ Or, do you know what he'll be doing? Maybe a framed print for an office wall or something that represents something that he is interested in. When DH received his undergrad he received a beautiful clock from his Dad for his office. Just some thoughts, I hope they help! Gina

Congratulations! "now, what would you do? is it understandable for me to be upset or not? is it normal to not even send a card or a small gift? would you say anything?" 1. What I would do is exactly what you are doing. Venting :) 2. Yes, it's understandable, I'd be upset too. 3. "Normal". Hm. Well, from what you've described it is normal for him and his relationship with your DD. It appears it's not normal for how he treats others. Unfortunate. But probably normal. 4. I'd say something if I thought it would do any good. And I'd say something like what was suggested above: DD worked hard, I know you're probably busy and it's easy to forget, but would you give her a call or send a card letting her know how proud you are? It would mean a lot to me. I received no gifts/cards/etc. for my college graduation from family members. My friends, their parents... they gave me gifts and I appreciated their tokens of pride so very much. For me, taking the time to really congratulate someone for accomplishing a goal is very important. Regardless of what it is. Your dd sounds like she's gone above and beyond many graduates, and that is worthy of extreme pride (so please don't take this wrong because it has nothing to do with your DD, just a generalization). My feeling is that if someone graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard or plumbing school it shouldn't matter insofar as they should be shown by their family and friends that their efforts and accomplishment did not go unnoticed. Praising someone for success (even if it's something that may be considered by others to be not that hard or unusual) is important. Acknowledging achievement is important. I have a friend who recently completed a marathon. Ten miles is not very much. I can run 10 miles faster than this person. I have another friend who has won the Ironman and many who have competed in similar elite marathons and triathlons. But I am so proud of her and I'm her biggest cheerleader. She set a goal, she worked toward it and she accomplished it! It's so cool to see her look of pride, and see her self-worth rise and to know that she knows that she is more capable than before. To me, that's cool. And if your brother is too ignorant to see just what a cool niece he has, it's his loss. Heck, I'm proud of her and I don't even know her. (((virtual card congratulating dd)))

Congratulations to Lauren ... and to you, for the busy-ness and cares sometimes dealt with while watching and guiding as they grew. What an opportunity for you, now - to make good use of your increased freedom. Maybe get involved with other things in the community and the world ... and quite a few of them are ones that, being not so close to home, will cause less worry and stress. Tomorrow can be the beginning of a whole new area of life. Good wishes for all of your days ahead. ole joyfuelled ... and it's not rationed: may your days be fuelled by joy, as well