Kathleen, that is such wonderful news. I am so incredible happy for you.

Well, just as soon as I wrote (last night) how well my son was doing, we had an incident (later) last night that has once again brought major family turmoil into the house. He will now have to stay/live on campus, which isn't the worst thing in the world. My hubby and daughter completely write him off at times like this, though, and just want to be "done" with him. Maybe it's the mother in me, but I cannot just cut him loose and not care what happens to him. I am SO worried that he will sink back into a deep depression if forced to live in a dorm where he doesn't want to be and that caused him much anxiety and depression before (when he was at U of Dayton and had to medically withdraw). At the same time, I know he needs to be held accountable and have consequences for his behavior. It just causes so much tension between my hubby and me and my daughter and me, and stresses all of us out. And then he feels responsible for "causing" all of our stress, which further depresses him. I just fear he will become suicidal again. Right now, I am just laying in bed, avoiding the day, and praying that somehow this will all work out... again. Each time something like this happens, it erodes my daughter's and my hubby's trust in my son... which makes sense but breaks my heart. My son and daughter are all the other one has... and I'm afraid that relationship might have just severed its final straw. Sorry to vent. I am just so incredibly sad this morning.

Kathleen, first up I wanted to say how happy I am your scans were all normal! That must have been a fantastic feeling! And I'm so pleased you had such a great time on your cruise, it sounded fantastic.

I'm so sorry you've had more issues with your son. I wish there was something we could do to help he has had a lot of help since he last went to college, so I hope he's picked up some good coping mechanisms to help him this time. It's a tough thing, but all you can do is give him time and stay supportive.

Snapple, it's good to see you again! Vit D deficiency sucks! My friend suffered through it one year, it was amazing how much chaos one little vitamin can do! You will be back to full strength in no time - good luck!

Lisa - what on earth do you want to visit England for! Scotland is so much better if you're ever over, you will have to pop up as well - better views here (if you don't mind the rain )

Please give us an update on how things are going with your house? Have you signed contracts?

Holly, I'm really pleased you got an eye appointment sooner! It sounds like that first place is popular, but you kinda want to feel like your Dr has time for you. You made a good call going somewhere else. Let us know how you get on!

I don't know about where you are, but I'm starting to feel like there is light starting to appear at the end of winter! Our days are a bit lighter, but I'm still waiting for it to get warmer. Hope you guys are noticing some change!

Not much of an update from me - we have been quite busy turning our hands to DIY, I'm quite impressed with us! We installed an new shower and I re-did all the caulk around the base. I am waiting for the downstairs neighbours to come knocking on our door complaining about leaks any day though

We extended our sugar ban for another week, so I've been 3 weeks without sugar now. I had lost 4lbs in the first 2 weeks, despite having 3 big meals out and not making it to the gym much. I am going to try my best to continue, but next week is when we'll start letting ourselves have sugar in controlled amounts. I really hope I don't just go nuts and start eating loads of cake though!

Kathleen first, such great news about your scans being normal!!! Hugs!!

and that the music cruise was so great! Wonderful memories

BUT so sad to read of your son's troubles!! and how it affects you and your family. And that you don't have unilateral support from them You must feel very alone! that's so sad and we are so sorry, especially after the good period he was having. Of course a mom would not turn her back on her children, ever! we are sending our positive thoughts and all blessings and hope to you and your family

Lisa you have accomplished so much in a week! Are the sad feelings from having to part with some family items? or just the nostalgia? It can be hard to let go of stuff forever. Did the man call you today, to meet? Oh and you had a therapy session recently, right? I hope that was helpful. We are rooting for you, Lisa, with the big task of taking care of your house, sharing living space temporarily with your daughter, and finding a new place to live

Coop good to 'see' you and you always have great and supportive comments to us! Congrats on your DIY activities! and let's hope the caulk holds

EasySpirit soooo I am feeling a little sneaky, but from when you said you did some pro bono work, I guess you are/were an attorney? If that is true, I am so impressed by the amount of education you would have accomplished for that profession, you smart cookie

snapple so good to see you here again! LOL at your sense of humor, that your depression has been upgraded to steady irritability I certainly hope the Vitamin D helps you completely!

Finally all the ice that was coating the trees, melted this morning. And then we lost power but only for an hour. Then the sun came out..i haven't seen the sun in so long!! when I took Eddie the dog out, the sun was so nice, I found a piece of plastic to sit on and sat on the ground with the dog in the sun And then, about 3 hours later, it started snowing and we got an inch in about an hour I, myself, have not noticed any earlier light in the mornings or the afternoons, but I know it's coming.

I am so sorry you are in despair. I wish I wise words to help you feel better or come up with a solution.

Just keep praying, Kathleen. I feel so bad and wish I could help you.

I'd love to visit Scotland, Coop, Ireland too. Want a visitor someday?

I am meeting the house cleaner tomorrow morning at 9 am. He wants me to show him what stays and what goes. The dumpster will be there monday morning.

No, signed contract yet. That is another things that is frustrating me. I won't go into details, except to say, he does want the house but wants it cleaned out first. It pissed me off.

That is wonderful news. Congrats on the weight loss. Yay for you!!!!

I'm looking at a couple of trailers. One I'd have to finance. One I might be able to come up with the cash for it.

http://www.zimmermanrealty.com/listi...oh-ohio-43348/

http://www.zimmermanrealty.com/listi...oh-ohio-43331/

WOW 3 weeks without sugar is a huge accomplishment!! and you haven't chewed off any limbs as I would have way to go!!

I see that Lisa should be meeting with the house cleaner at about this time. good luck!

Hi to everyone else We had a few inches of snow overnight, enough that we did have to shovel it this morning. I didn't clean off my car then, I will have to do it before I leave for work. I will probably start it and put the defroster/heater on full blast for at least 20 minutes to get some of the ice/snow off. Bleh winter

We might be really busy at work because of the fresh dump of snow...a couple inches at our elevation usually means about half a foot or more on the slopes.

Holly,

Can you believe what so far, Ohio has not even gotten an inch of snow this year. Not even 1 inch. We had a dusting this morning, barely. We have had a little ice but not too bad.

Jennifer is gone until Sunday so I'm alone with the pet babies.

I met with the house cleaner this morning. He'll have a dumpster at the house on Tuesday. They can't get it there on Monday.

The man who is buying the house called me this morning The papers are ready to be signed and said he'd have some money for me early next week. That way I can hire my furniture to be taken out of the house.

I made a decision this afternoon. I'm not going to buy that mobile home that is $11,500. As much as it would be perfect for me, it would take almost all the money I am getting from selling the house. I'm going to find a place to rent, instead.

I ordered furniture that will be in next Friday.

I also made an appt to have my eyes checked for new glasses and contacts on the 7th of Feb. I lost my good glasses in the fire and cannot see very well in these old ones. They are all scratched and have no bi-focals.

That is for now. Have a great Friday night.