Redsox-- Usually when my roses just sit there doing nothing, I discover they are suffering from a late spring freeze and I need to cut them back--sometimes down to a few inches! As an experiment, try cutting one fairly substantial cane back several inches and see if you get clear, clean white inside the cane. If you do, you are probably OK on that score. However, if there is a bit of tan color in the center, keep cutting that cane back until you get clear white--very white--across the cut. I'm more inclined to think those yellow-tipped leaves might have to do with a watering problem--poor drainage? too much watering? I'm not sure. I don't think this is your problem, but remember Double Delight hates Daconil--never use it on DD. Depending on your weather patterns, it might still be early. My DD just really starting taking off this week--and we have had perfect spring weather with no late freezes. You might not have had such good late winter/early spring/spring weather. Let us know if any of this advice helps. We are rooting for your DD. Kate

IF I recall I remember your post when this was all first happening. Was that you and was there a boy friend involved? I'm sorry if I'm wrong and it was someone elses post I'm thinking of. You did everything you could, things already mentioned here. I imagine you are still wanting to do what you can but feel limited by her reactions towards you. Now that you know how she reacts towards help, I'm guessing your reluctant to try to put your foot in her space. Some kids welcome the help and attention and others, they just don't know how to accept that a parent cares enough to be provide help. Your not alone. From what you've said she is immature and may not take the necessary steps towards her GED if left to her own. That would frustrate me too I'm sure. If you could somehow take her into the adult continuing ed counselor, this person could work out a plan with her to do GED studies at home. Possibly giving her weekly goals as well as a completion goal. Do you know if they can recommend another Math tutor? Could YOU put up a sign that your looking for a tutor at the local college? Do you think she would agree to that? Another idea is an online study , but from what I've found, that takes even more self motivation than just going to a class. You sound like a very caring mom, but in reality I don't know if she feels overpowered by you or she's just stubborn and immature. So from my perspective, I'm hoping that a third party can help her toward her GED and one day soon she'll spread her wings toward an independent life. (that's putting it all in a nutshell!!) I'm sure there are many answers but your the one who has to keep the peace and learn to deal with her at a level only a loving mom can do, even when she doesn't seem to want any love at all. Don't give up, just step back, just like your doing. Good positive thoughs for both of you.

Allison, I am not caring for a diabetic cat right now. A couple of years ago, my heaviest cat, Noddy, was erroneously diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed insulin. I gave him insulin for a few days (maybe as long as a week - I can't remember the exact time frame anymore) until he experienced two hypoglycemic episodes in two days. The first was quite severe. He was nearly comatose by the time I caught it, and it had only been about 15 mins since his insulin injection. Up until that point, I had not been testing his glucose at home, though I did have the necessary equipment and had read up on the procedure. I was still trying to work up my nerve to actually start doing the ear pricks when Noddy had the first hypo episode. It was during that episode when he was barely conscious that I did the first ear prick (actually more like six pricks because I couldn't hit the tiny vein properly while simultaneously trying to snap him out of hypo with Karo Syrup). His BG didn't even register on the meter, it was so low, but it rose quickly with the Karo. After Noddy went hypo again the next day, I stopped insulin and started testing him every day. His BG never rose out of normal range, so I never restarted insulin. He's been fine ever since. I'm particularly sensitive to the hypo issue because of my experience with Noddy and because my housemate at that time was also diabetic and had experienced several hypoglycemic episodes. I know how dangerous they can be. So please do learn how to do at-home BG testing on your cat and buy the necessary equipment. And ALWAYS know exactly where your Karo is. Laurie

Get a patent on that right away take a couple of photos and write-down some how- tos and mail it to yourself (herself) don't open it. Then after you file for a patent if someone else tries to steal the idea for profit she/he can present the dated postmarked item to court. I think it is called a poor mans patent. Seriously what a great idea