Thanks to you all and to the boss! I have a hard time getting a photo of my dogs from the front, as I'm always walking behind them. We aren't very good at going on walks altogether ( see twisted up leashes ) but keep practicing. But here's a shot from earlier...they do make things merrier here. Lily, Your little girl looks full of joy. Nice to see a kid with a book. Two of my grandsons are crazy about video games but I got one his first Harry Potter book recently. I remember as a kid some presents kind of led me in to new interests and opened up new things to me. Merry Christmas!

Indeed, Jeff! That is one reason why I have zero interest in living down South (been there, done that). The lack of seasons bores me. By the time a Mi winter ends, I am ready for spring and, I believe, enjoy spring's warmer temps and vibrant colors that much more because of the winter's cold and the preponderance of grey days. Not a huge fan of summer as I don't do heat well, but I do enjoy summering many of my plants outdoors on my balcony and growing fragrant annuals like sweet alyssum in pots. Summer makes me appreciate autumn's cooler temps even more and I have always loved seeing the trees change colors. That brings us back full circle to winter's deep hushed quiets, sunlight's brilliant glimmer on icicles and new fallen snow, snuggled cozily indoors with a cup of something hot while the winter winds sigh and moan outside.... For that matter, switching to a plant related theme, I do admit to getting bored with plants that are in bloom "too long." I realize that may sound odd to many, but after a point, I find that cease to "see" flowers on a plant that has already been in bloom for a month or more. They just become unnoticed background.

Thank you both for sharing your stories. It’s obvious that so many have been through this sorrow. Even all these years later, I want to say that I’m sorry for all your losses. I can’t imagine losing a baby at 8 months gestation, or going through multiple miscarriages. What bravery it must have taken for all of you to try again. Yet, your experiences give great hope. My daughter has always talked about adopting a child, wether she could carry one herself or not. My children’s father was adopted, and my daughter always wanted to give a child a good life, who might otherwise not have a loving family. I suspect I’ll be a grandma someday, one way or another. I’ve really been touched by all your support and the sharing of your personal stories. We’re slowly healing emotionally, and she’s healing physically very well. I finally put the picture I received as my “Best Christmas Gift Ever”, away a few days ago. I’m encouraged by your NCLEX experience, SJN. She joked about being cut off at 75 questions, being either a very good sign, or a VERY BAD sign. I’m pretty sure it’s the former. She had nothing but “A’s” through the entire program, and feels good about how the test went. Today she has an interview at the hospital nearest my home. The nursing license should be posted online tomorrow, if all went well. We’re waiting with baited breath, but I’d be shocked if she didn’t pass. (I hope I don’t end up regretting saying that.) Lisa

Carol - you probably DID thank me in some other thread and I missed it. So please don't feel bad! I just was beginning to worry that you really WERE part of some dark conspiracy to withhold mail from you! I only got out 2 valentines this year -- my stepmother's fall and hospitalization and my trip up north happened right when I would have sent them out. But I had sent yours early because I knew what a debacle Christmas was! So you & my sister got valentines. That's it!