Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about Ozzie. I know how you're feeling - I lost Samantha, my 20-year-old kitty two years ago this month, and then I lost Remo, our 120-lb German Shepherd last November. It's been a tough couple years at our house... Even though you never really forget the pain of the moment you lose them, the years of good memories is like a bandaid on the wound. I still go through pictures of my beloved pets I've lost through the years and smile at all the great memories... Ozzie will live on in your heart and memories of him. Denise in Omaha

"one woman had Big Daddy's in her baby stroller ,I almost snatched them away from her!".......Heh heh heh Yessir, welcome to the wonderful world of Hostas! Nice-looking albomarginatas James, have fun in the garden. Don B. PS Nice ferns too. They will look great with your Hostas.

Hi Sweet313! Yes, went with RT for kitchen and feel fortunate that we actually got our install and it worked out ok for us. The only exception being that we don't have any kind of warranty and when they shut down, they had our 1/2 slab that was left from the kitchen on hold as well as our $250 deposit. We got the money back via our CC, but lost any savings we had on the 1/2 slab (since we had bought it at the same time as our kitchen). Wow, the devistation they have left behind is unbelievable, saw at least 4 people in the shops today that had lost $$ to them. I'm so glad you did not go that route! We found two really good places in Shelby Twp that sit next to each other on 23 mile. Hard Rock & Detroit Granite, both were unaggressive sales, seemed VERY professional and accepted my terms of payment (10% deposit, 40% at measure & 50% after install). Both had a version of the granite we wanted at the same price, but we fell in love with the slab at Detroit. I think I'm going to have to go back over there to get a photo, it's just so pretty. It cost a lot more than we were expecting to pay, but wow, it's going to be the piece of resistance in the room! I can't wait! BTW, I've been watching for you to post but don't recall seeing anything...can you give an update on your granite? Did you find some, if so what did you choose and how do you like it?

One thing, I'd hope you remember--medical science has advanced by leaps and bounds since your dd was a child. I know, even with a procedure my DH had about 5 years ago, and had to have repeated this year, there was vast improvement. I'd be willing to bet that the treatment today is better and hopefully more effective than what you were told many years ago. Wishing your daughter the best. As to your other news--Fantastic, the very best to you and your children.