These are really good quotes Don. I especially like the one about choices. I think hardly a waking moment goes by in one's life where there isn't a choice to be made. You can choose to do this or that,you can choose to think this or that and these choices make up the landscape of our lives. If you don't like the way your life is looking,well,maybe rethinking your next choice might be a good way to start shifting things a little.

Hi Pal! I'm lousy at remembering birthdays, etc. What I did was buy a daily planner book where you can see the whole month at a glance and write down events. I had to do this and I keep it on my coffee table. I write birthdays in red ink. I forgot my new DIL's bday once and can I tell you how bad I felt? Other than her not supporting your relationship w/your partner, it sounds like you two are friends and you want to keep it that way. I know you're not seeking advice, but I think you need to pull her aside and tell her, "Sorry about my snarky email, but you know I'm lousy at remembering birthdays, but I did think of you." Maybe she'll apologize for her petty email too. I don't expect a party for my birthday, but I do expect to be remembered by those close to me, just as they are remembered. My family and friends are big on sending cards, and IMO, they are such a treat to get in the mail! Nobody is doing it because they're obligated either. Another thought, some of us and maybe your friend also, had birthday parties growing up, and a LOT of them. I had several surprise parties, the last being a teen. So as we grow older we still want the world to stop on that day. lol. And when it doesn't, well it's kind of depressing, even though we know that is how life is as we get older. Even if your friend said that in jest, she was still wrong to do it. She should know by now you are bad at remembering birthdays. To keep the harmony between you, I'd remind her. Oh, and next year don't buy her a Halmark card, buy her a Papyrus card. :) That will make her shut-up.

One life to live. Everyone has to decide what's important -- what's tolerable and what's a deal-breaker. Same for you as for me. Men and women have described situations similar to yours since writing was invented. "He has given me a nice home, a place of stablility." "...two things in common, garage sales & playing match plays at the Casino." If that's enough, OK. If it isn't, well that's your call. Nobody from the outside can tell you what's important and what isn't in your own personal life. I think it's safe for you to assume there will be plenty of men to choose from if you want out. But getting going with any of them will take time. Whether or not homes and stability will come with them is a different consideration. If you're not financially independent, the decision will be harder.

They make sealer for grout, TileLab I think is the brand I bought at Home Depot for our floors. The one we bought came with a brush end on the bottle, and we just painted the grout lines. So maybe try that for the outside? Or read over at the stained glass & mosaic forums, maybe check their FAQs. I'm just getting started in mosaics, but there is a lot of knowledge over there. Here is a link that might be useful: Stained Glass & Mosaic forum