Glad to see you posting, and hope you will post often! You need to understand that there are a couple of people here who are perfect in every way (if you don't believe me, just ask them), so they have every right to throw stones at others. There's enough glass in my house that I don't dare throw stones! Fortunately, the vast majority of the KT family are wonderful, caring people. They make it a warm, welcoming place to be.

Sudie - thank you for "checking in" and also, thank you so much for your appreciation of my book reviews. I am very pleased that you enjoyed them. As you likely know, I have stopped posting these for now, partly because of planning an overseas trip. I hope to get back to them eventually and have listened to several excellent audio books in the recent past.

Here's the thing: when you come to a site like this one, you can expect the unexpected.

I would ignore intentionally mean comments. Or advise, if unsolicited.

I agree with Wanda. The vast majority here are caring people.

There were a few times where I posted thinking I was totally right, only to hear over and over than perhaps I wasn't. When you share in a forum this size, you get a multitude of responses. I find if many of agree there must be something to it.

For me, a big part of being a member is the sharing of opinions. I'm not quite sure what members get out of lurking. I can't imagine never jumping into a conversation.

It's when we share personal things is when I find The Kitchen Table the most interesting.

I agree: You need to understand that there are a couple of people here who are perfect in every way (if you don't believe me, just ask them), so they have every right to throw stones at others.

Been here for many years. Year or so after the KT started.

I knew orchidlaura, personally, and she comes and goes. Linda and I used to lunch with her, but she had health issues, and we haven't heard from her in several years. Do not know what happened. Last time we lunched, she was not doing well, and Linda and I both tried to contact her and never heard back.

I have been reading and taking part in KT since I joined the Caregivers forum during the years I was caring for my husband, sometime before 2000. I look at the forum every day, post sometimes, and feel that I know many of you. I enjoy reading the varied opinions. It is true that many are not mine, but who says they must be? I am, I think, the oldest person on the KT at 93+ so most of your life experiences are different from mine. Although I live in a Senior Independent living facility life is sometimes lonely for me and I enjoy reading about all of you and your activities.

Nice to see you back Sudie!

seniorgal- if you are the oldest, chi and I are probably tied for the youngest and even our lives are drastically different. I'm an early 30s stay at home mom with 4 kids and I believe her and her husband are around the same age, no kids, living in a metropolis. You are older than my grandmother, if she were still alive.

I think one of the things I love about the KT, and communication on the internet in general is that we aren't prejudged because of our age or appearance. In fact, no one ever need know our age unless we reveal it!

At any one moment I can be having a philosophical debate or a friendly exchange with a 16 year old or a 96 year old and I won't even realize it.

Regarding what eld6161 said- I'm reminded of one of my mom's frequent sayings when I was growing up.

If a person comes up to you and tells you there is a tail growing out your butt, you can ignore them. If 2 people tell you, you might be able to put it down to gossip. If 3 or more people tell you there's a tail growing out your butt, you better turn around and check!!!

The KT is great not only for laughs but also for "tail-checking". :)

I went back and read that thread "so sad for my husband" and read what Laura had said. It was no big deal, nothing mean or catty. She was just telling you about her situation being the despised DIL and telling you that maybe it was YOU that needed to change. Interestingly, I responded on that thread also, agreeing with Laura. Yes, poor Laura was/is mentally ill, but she sure sounded fine to me with the advice she was giving. I really don't mean to be "castigating" you, but I sense a tone to your outlook on life. As I said before, "woe is me".

Texas, so funny. I actually was also thinking along the same lines, but didn't post it. Mine is more on the lines of being a donkey's a$$! If one person tells you something, you can ignore it, if a second person tell you, you can ignore it, but when a third person tells you, it's time to get a saddle.