How fun! I love a curious mind. Nothing wrong with going further when it comes to learning

Eliot is delighted with all your good wishes! Thank you. (Hi back at you, Oski, my fellow-Westie!) We chose the breed when we were newlyweds. My dog needs to fit in a laundry tub, and my DH didn't want to walk a frou-frou puff ball. I was familiar with an aunt's Sealeyham from childhood. Fifty years ago Westies were not as popular as they are today. We see them in ads all the time now. There's a Westie mascot for the canned dog food "Cesar", and there is one on the smal size Milk-Bone box #1 Westie Charlie loved everyone, but died of cancer of the tongue at age nine. (I believe a lesion was created when he rescued my engagement ring from going down the drain while I washed him; he brought it back up weeks later. I've never wanted a new diamond.) #2 Westie Rosie was an out of control demon we got too late in her life. She escaped across a nearby highway many times...until she was killed. #3 Westie Pip was a champion and a sweetie too. He was the first to have skin troubles, but they went away as he grew older. He was a hard act to follow. We were without a dog for a few years after he died at almost 17. #4 Westie Eliot is no champion -- a Westie Rescue who is 'not made right' inside or out. He was so undersized when we got him that we shaved his name to only five letters. No skin troubles, but an acid stomach, providing us with many 3 a.m. adventures in our bedroom. Now he takes a little bit of antacid mornings and evenings. He still has to eat small meals of a special diet three times a day. Nicole -- Is that a cat or did Santa bring you a lump of coal with eyes? Peeka is such a cute name. Jannie -- Eliot's two best pals are a male and a female Wheaten who live just down the street. The female bosses both 'boys' around!

jewel, a lot of people who are supposed to go to a lot of places have their plans or time schedules changed this time of year. Anyone else note the irony of the airline wanting to route her through Chicago (instead of Dallas)? In December? For better weather? sheilajoyce, I hope your daughter and her family are happy and successful in adapting to the changes they'll face in moving from California to Texas. It's the same as with moves in the opposite direction, because there are differences, some people will find they like the changes and others don't .

Thanks you Holly. Lets all think Spring...Can't hurt, can it? Shingles are tough for everyone. Sherry, I will agree. I had so much pain for 10 days (not typical) that I had resigned myself to having trigeminal neuropathy and am actually relieved it is shingles since they should eventually clear up. Maryl, I was lucky to see the doctor an start on Famcyclovir the day I broke out and am hoping it will clear up faster. I will see eye doctor today since it appears to be in my eye. (Can't so the simple thing anytime it seems). Life is always a ride...not always good or bad but problems are just part of it. I hope you are are doing well and the weather will finally clear up and let us have spring. kay