Oh groaning here on the tax thing. I had a nice excuse, the computer crashed and I had to wait until my son recovered my hard drive. Now he has and I have to get going.... Don't want to. My 5 year old grandgirl is here today. We want to go plant something. My Mom gave me back a big clay strawberry pot I gifted my Grandma with 30 years ago. It's sitting out back rather forlornly, so today is supposed to hit 60 and a nice day to do something. I'm going to let Courtney pick out the flowers she would like and we're going to plant that monster. What memories I have of that and Grandma growing strawberries in it in Long Beach. Oh, my Australian Tree ferns are recovering nicely, what a relief, one was covered timely, the other not and really toasted. I have a nice green frond unfurling up the center of all that "toast":) Leslie

I don't know what I would have done without all of you. It is because I'm able to reach out to others who have been there that I'm able to do better for my dad. I went to see dad today and took him some of his army blankets cause he's so cold natured now. We had a good little talk and he was doing better today. He is feeling safer and better cared for in the new home. This is worth everything to me and to him for sure. Everyone I've come across is nice. Dad realizes he's in the home for good and he understands but as you say he will always want to be at home. He has a hernia in his stomach so there going to have it looked at. He's had problems for so time with it and it's gotten worse. It sure was hard to know if some of the thing's he told me about the other place was really going on or if he was trying to get me to just get him out of there and take him home or if his mind was not clear but now I'm taking some of the thing's he told me was real. Might not all be real but some thing's he's telling over and the story hasn't changed. He's asked me if I could do something about the place. Have someone look into how it's ran. He tells of how the workers yell at the residents, ignore them when they ask for something. Now I know they can't hop to everyone's needs right then and there but he said they would just smile at them and walk on by. He said they don't let them eat in peace and are hurried up. I know he's concerned about the ones left behind and if you all think I should have the AL looked into I will. My son has worked in nursing homes so he knows who to report to about abuse. You know I think dad would love to see something put together of his beloved grandmother and I can show him how I'm keeping her memory alive through us. My dad and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the help.

I moved from southern ont to Newfoundland in July and have been expecting to see similar weather to ND's,but yesterday it was T-shirt weather and today it's cloudy,but still mild. But as Lucky gardener said...look out,because when it starts it's relentless. Since this is our first winter as retirees,at least we'll be able to sit in front of a fire and look out at it...I keep a well stocked pantry,so no worries about running out of basics.Our small town grocery store is practically next door,so we can walk there. Medical emergencies do give me pause for thought,but I'm told that our emergency road crews are out 24/7 to keep our highways open for our ambulance service. In spite of all that,I really hate winter once the holidays are over,I want spring. Wishfull thinking on my part no doubt!

Stupid I know but I just breathed a huge sigh of relief! My guys came to work today said their hello's and got right after it. Called me in the kitchen to show me how they had fixed the drywall that was bowed behind sink and is now flush and level with cabinets installed. Great! Close to templating! Woo hoo! The head guy says what's the blue tape on the doors? I said "I see there is another ding in the cabinet here now from the work on Friday. These dings are really bothering me and I don't want any dings in my new cabinets. I said had it been down low or inconspicuous maybe it would be ok but I need these doors replaced." He said OK. I kept going with my spiel saying "I'm happy to help do what I can to protect the others going forward" Wait what did he just say?! He said OK! That was easy! He then says no problem. I want you to be happy. :) I smile he smiles even tho he probably wants to kill me ;) Geez, I'm really going to be a nervous wreck when counter tops go in. Just thought I'd share for anyone else going thru the same issue. Hope this helps.