Neat link, plumfan. Thanks for sharing. Eukofios, I found a way to avoid fig withdrawl. Right now, as I type, I have a lovely steamed figgy pudding going on the stove. It should be ready in about 2 more hours. I can hardly wait to dig into it. ....have to test it before Christmas, you know, just to be sure it is "just right". LOL I also plan to make some fig tarts, fig pies, fig jam. My figs in the cold cellar now. I check on it every few days. It looks okay.

Jac, You probably don't remember me, but you sent me a butterfly bush last year! I was (and am, but not practicing at this time) a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist for the past 22 years. Every antidepressant has problems that can be associated with it, from sexual dysfunction to life-threatening electrical changes in the heart. I also consider that every time my son had strep throat, the antibiotics I gave him could cause Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. A tylenol with a viral illness could lead to Reye's Syndrome, or just a plain tylenol with a fever could be "the one" that causes liver failure in a person with a hidden hepatic illness. I totally agree that you should have been told of the potential for Serotonin Withdrawal Syndrome, and the possibility of another associated problem called Serotonergic Syndrome that can be associated with all SSRI's. Thats where having people who are trained specifically in the treatment of depression is invaluable. Primary Care Physicians can spot and begin treatment of depression very well these days (thank goodness for everyone who, like myself, uses a GP), but if I had cancer, I would want to see an Oncologist, not an OB/GYN. The same thinking should be applied to any illness requiring special training, in my opinion. For as many people as I have seen who have had problems with a particular antidepressant, I have seen four times as many do beautifully. My hope is that one day, the science of the mind/emotions will advance to the point that a swab or a blood test will be able to identify the type of depression a person has and tell us, like a culture and sensitivity test does for bacteria, which medication has the best chance of treating the disease. Until that time, even the most well-trained and brilliant minds will continue to do their best and offer medications in the treatment of depression. Not all will be sucessful or pretty, but for those who have truly had a case of Clinical Depression, at least someone is trying. Not to try when a patient is asking for help would be worse. I will take a patient who is suffering side effects from a medication (though never the goal) over a patient who is no longer around to have a side effect, anyday. Do I think medications are over-prescribed? Absolutely! Do I think that people who have no business prescribing them are doing so? Absolutely! Do I think even the most highly trained Mental Health professionals sometimes miss the mark or over-prescribe? Absolutely!! I also know a woman who was told she had the flu and had an Aortic Aneurysm which ruptured on the way home from the hospital. I cared for a woman who convinced herself she had a yeast allergy, treated herself at home with vitamins and dietary restrictions, and all the while had a brain tumor that took her life. Her diagnosis came after she had killed a man and was court commited for evaulation to stand trial. Most people are amazingly resilient. Some are not. I am championing for those who are not and need a little help along the way (myself included at one time). I know my thinking is in direct opposition to many, and I never wish to challenge someone's right to choose treatments that that they deem right for themselves or their families. I just wanted to say, these medications, warts and all, make it possible for many people to work, maintain families and relationships, and in some cases, just survive another day of depression. I just hope that someone who needs treatment sees this and doesn't decide to throw the baby out with the bath water. Lea

I’ve watched all the episodes of the final season except for the Christmas episode which will air in GB on Christmas Day. I’ll be watching that one, too, and then enjoy the final season all over again when it starts in the US on Jan. 3rd. This is my favorite TV show of all time, so it’s been bittersweet seeing these last episodes. Woodynymph, many of your questions will be answered, yet I won’t comment on what or how least I spoil it for others who are waiting for the final episodes. The one element that wasn’t brought into the final season, which I was most curious about, was the relationship between the dowager Violet and her Russian prince. This liaison was never again discussed, and I was disappointed by the total silence, since it would have been interesting to see more of this. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed many of the rather unexpected events which have taken place this year.

The chandelier is a Tracy Porter design (Clyde). She does the funnest (oh dear that was bad english) the coolest, whimsical lighting. Her current lines have foxes on them, but Clyde is also available in different sizes. He's pretty big (the six light chandelier I have) but also comes in a few different styles, probably better suited to kitchens (on this link you can see the different styles). I bought mine locally but I would bet you can find a deal either locally or through an internet seller. You can also google her name and find her on the net for more info on her other fun designs :) I applaud anyone brave enough to buy one of these LOL when I tell people I have a chicken chandelier in my formal dining room, they look at me funny :o) but then they see it...and love it. It weighs a TON and is well made. I highly recommend them! Here is a link that might be useful: Tracy Porter Seller