That bug is nasty, and when it runs trough all family members, it makes for a rough time for everyone and recovery is so sweet. I am glad you are better and had a memorable christmas - and do have a Happy New Year!

Thanks! I actually brought in the following as house plants: 1. Bengal Tiger 2. Australia 3. Tropicanna Black The tropicanna black had a really nice very dark maroon folliage. After more than 1 week inside the house with only 30 mins of sunlight, the dark maroon foliage is gone. The color green is showing up. However, for the Australia, it has retained it's color and it's growing fast too. For the bengal tiger, I don't see any change. I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Many years ago, my babysitter's young grand daughter was helping her Mom clean out the aquarium. Her Mom turned her back - the child tried to climb up higher and the partially filled aquarium toppled onto this beautiful little girl. She did live, but the aquarium shattered on top of her - you get the picture. I took that as a lesson and bolted everything I could to the walls. So sorry for your friend's loss and what a difficult time to become best friends.

I'll resuscitate this thread to report on my experience with flax seed. To start, my flashes are minor compared to some of the stories I've seen. I'd have them anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours apart during the day, and maybe three or four times per night. They only last about a minute, and for the most part are no more uncomfortable than being quite overdressed in a warm room. But, the waking up several times at night was beginning to wear on me. I decided to try flax, since DH already takes it for his digestive system. The recommended 40 grams is an awful lot, and I started slow to make sure how my digestive system would respond. I started with about three teaspoons per day. In the morning, I usually eat toast with something on it. So after I toast my bread, I sprinkle the flax on, then spread on the peanut butter or cream cheese or whatever. The flax disappears. At night, I often eat a banana before bed. With each bite, I dip the end of the banana into the ground flax. Or I mix a teaspoon into a tablespoon of peanut butter. Or I just mix it into some juice and drink it really fast. It's not bad, it mostly just sticks to my teeth. And the result is, my flashes have diminished greatly with just the three teaspoons per day. Sometimes I go for hours and realize I haven't had one. Or if I feel it starting, it will die out before I get too warm. I am only waking up maybe once per night due to flashes, sometimes not at all. (Weird dreams are a whole different issue!) It is inexpensive, good for me anyway, and easy to take. I am sold on flax.