Thank you all, my dear, dear friends. Yesterday we had one of those days here at our house -- no water for 36 hours, Freya sneaking a pizza off the kitchen counter, and the smell of fresh polyurethane pervading the cold, damp house.... On the other hand, I had the loving affection of Tom and my DS Jacob, calls and cards from family, and greetings from all of you. And tonight we're going out to dinner to try celebrate again. Carla, Luanne, Jon, Anita, Lori, Ingrid, Sue, Carolina, Pamela, and Carol -- each one of your messages brought smiles and memories to my mind. I just realized that with the exception of Ingrid, I know each one of you in the Real World (as opposed to online) -- Ingrid, we'll just have to correct that soon. The only birthday wish I have left (besides more rain) is to hope that I get to see you all again as frequently and as soon as may be. Rosefolly

LOL Thanks Donna and Heather for letting me know about Ginger's post. My sister went home today so now my time is mine but I did try a few times to get into the KT since Heather called but I couldn't get the pages to load and it took me almost 5 minutes just to get the THS homepage to open and after 10 minutes of trying my webtv reboots itself so I have to start over. Hi Ginger! Were your ears burning?? I really can't believe this because I was just talking about you to my friend after I told her she should read the Menopause forum. I told her how you had gotten banned by Spike and that you started your own board for a while. I did read there but then I lost the link. Thank you for all the nice things you said about me. I really appreciate it. I sure did have to "pull up my bootstraps" after my Mom passed away but I had lots of help and support from my forum friends and from my real life friends. I was working for a bank for a couple of years until they downsized their staff big time and because I was a casual worker I was laid off but I had put enough into savings to keep me going until I find something else. I have to be very frugal with my spending but I pet sit for neighbours and babysit to make extra cash. My brother rents a house that I inherited from my Mom so that helps a bit too. I took the mortgage off my house and put it on the rental house so Paul's rent pays my mortgage. LOL I don't really consider it my house because I haven't stepped foot in it for over 10 years - Paul is responsible for the upkeep. Per my Mom's will I can't sell the house as long as a family member lives in it. LOL That house is my retirement fund. Ginger, I have had wonderful good things happen in my life that I just can't explain since my Mom passed away. Unbelieveable kindness from strangers, from friends, from my forum friends and from neighbours. Overwhelming kindness that I hope one day to forward on to all who have touched my life. Ginger, I am happy and I experience joy every day of my life. I haven't found the love of my life yet, no Mr. Right but then I am not out looking too far for him. I am waiting for him to come to me! LOLOL I've got my eye on someone though. My friend's Dad who passed away last year always told me to pray to St. Ann for a man but so far that prayer hasn't been answered - yet. LOL Enough about me, Ginger how are you and how is your life and are you happy? I have thought of you many times over the years and wondered how you were doing. I am still so surprised that we thought about each other at the same time! I hope you come back to post with us now that Spike is no longer here - not that I know of anyway. I used to like reading your posts. You can email me anytime through My Page above if you would like. Thank you again for thinking of me and saying the nice things that you did. Anne

Anele...with all you have going on I am so pleased you found this thread and sent your wishes. Thank you ! DH is a special guy. If it weren't for him I know I wouldn't be meditating and that has led to so much more as far as my piece of mind....which he then benefits from. A win/win situation for sure. I am so glad to hear from you and look forward to news of the new little girl when she arrives. c

I hope each of you has a truly happy day. H a p p y B i r t h d a y ! Shirley