Shirley, yes, your picnic basket arrived yetserday. I opened late last night.....so wonderful!!!!! I received.... *Lilies....Hot Line,Mona Lisa and Stargazer.... *Chocolate Ball Sedum, Coral Reef Chinese Sedum *Caladium Postman Joyner *Two pairs of Atlas gloves...I am with you, love these! *Basil Herb garden *Lots of post its.....love these little babies! *Fall napkins *Fall journal *Russell Stover Mint paddies *A Green Hummingbird Wind Chime....cute!!! Love it all! I will go picnicing with you anytime! Thanks so much Shirley! And Vina, Daylily Col. Mustard, arrived yesterday as well. Thanks so much! Thanks again for hosting!! Awesome picnic baskets and great humor all the way around! Maria, my Mom also told me to butt out of things that are not my business. I would most definitley say, this is one of those times! Happy Thursday! Annie This post was edited by canyonwind on Thu, Oct 3, 13 at 12:31

Hi Karen..thank you for your kind words of encouragement..I do believe in Prayers and Angels..and agree, that from all the wonderful, encouraging responces I've received here... I've found this forum to be a home to many. DH & I went out today to do some shopping and just enjoy the day..it felt good to be back to be doing just the simple little everyday things. kareen..thank you for your good wishes. DH & I are slowly 'bouncing back' to normal mode.. I think, any parent would do all they could to offer help or just support when needed..Funny how when you think you're not important to your kids anymore...they sure look to you for your strength in times like these..and it's also tough to show that strength when you want to just fall apart yourself. But, somehow, we manage to keep it together... I'm am so looking forward to our class with Judith...seems like there will be quite a nice size group joining in too. jane

Daane, first, I am so sorry for the loss of your step-daughter. How vey sad. I presume she was young. Did she have a family? Next -- I applaud you for being so conscientious about your health. So many of us let it slide. One thing I've learned working in a hospital is that early detection of almost any health situation is key. The surgery sounds scary but it sounds like this could resolve your condition. I hope so and will be thinking of you. (Every time I hear ISlets of Langerhans, I think of Biology class. That "part of the body" was always easy to remember since the name is unique.) Hugs to you Diane -- except after the 25th they will be very soft hugs for awhile.

chubby_rat, I am so sorry to hear the diagnosis! I am an insulin dependant diabetic so please let me give you a word of advise. Sign up for diabetes education as soon as possible. You will find out that you are not alone. You have a condition that is treatable. You will go through some phases as you learn about it. I believe depression is the first and I can tell you firsthand that I was blown away when it happened to me. Well wishers will pat you on the back and tell you "it's all treatable with medication" and then dismiss is. One hard thing I had to learn was that it really was my little red wagon and no matter how close I was to a person they really did not understand or comprehend what I was going through. I have an ironic story about the evening I was diagnosed and then went out (against my better wishes) with a bunch of people. It's too personal to post on the internet, but your story made me flash back. Chubby_rat, I also posted when you quit smoking. I'm sure I mentioned that it's okay to fall off the wagon as long as you get back on. My doctor is sooooo happy that I quit smoking. She says it is the most important thing I've done in respect to my overall medical condition. Don't throw away that month of smoke-free for nothing! I've had a few stressful times when I wanted to reach for one and haven't and always look back and say, that cigarette wouldn't have helped (only hurt). I truly am not trying to preach. Just let you know that your friends, if they don't have diabetes cannot console or comisserate with you. You need to get education as soon as possible; it truly will help you feel better and much more in control. BTW, this is an exception. I don't even tell people I have diabetes anymore. If a person doesn't have it, they don't understand. Been there, believe me. Take care of yourself, sweetie.