<p>sax- That is a funny story- what kind of dog?</p>
<p>Our time off for the holidays- this time is a first, we stayed home… but it has been fun- married for over 30 years and got our first mixer- wow I had no idea- life is so much easier! Can you smell the carrot cake?</p>
<p>Just picked S up at the airport. He will be visiting with us for TWO WEEKS! We’re THRILLED!</p>
<p>Tonight DH and I were out shopping. While driving I noticed that the broken light indicator was on. When we stopped at the next store, DH got out of the car to see which light it was so that we could stop at the auto parts store and pick up the replacement bulb. </p>
<p>He got out, walked around looking at the car, saw it was a front light. He was curious how hard it would be to get to the bulb, so he had me pop the hood. </p>
<p>Within two minutes two different people stopped to see if we were OK and offered to help us. I thought that was very nice, especially since I know how busy people can be this time of year.</p>
<p>A postal worker just delivered my son’s wallet with a $2.41 postage due notice. He thought he had been pick-pocketed in New York City’s Grand Central Station. He couldn’t have been because he still had a single dollar bill in his wallet, exactly what he had remembered having in his wallet, his drivers license, and all his cards. I love the people in NYC!!!</p>
<p>This thread helps restore my faith in mankind. Anyway, after 14 long months, we are once again a two-car family! (Well, three-car family, actually, but one of them is with S1 at college.) I now have a delightfully obnoxious 2004 Ford Explorer V-8 with leather upholstery, premium sound system and 3rd-row seat. We didn’t really need the 3rd-row seat but it’s hard to get out of that kid-hauling mindset. Yes, it sucks down gas like a thirsty elephant but it’s a blast to drive, and since my life has been short on fun the last few years, we decided to go for it. And we didn’t go in debt up to our eyebrows - just to our behinds or so.</p>
<p>toledo, that’s great news. NYC is a wonderful place.</p>
<p>(If I were your son, I’d still cancel all my credit cards.)</p>
<p>What a wonderful Christmas break with D2! Just had to tell someone.</p>
<p>Have had a great Christmas break with both our kids. Only one of their 12 cousins plus one cousin-in-law and baby next gen cousin was absent for Christmas Eve at my sis and BIL’s. They had so much fun that no one left until way after midnight. They just wanted to be together until none of them could keep their eyes open. 
One cousin flew down for less than 48 hours, as that was all the time she could get from her program. S was here for 2 weeks. One nephew was in LA with his GF, but texted everyone all night. It was great seeing how close the cousins all are to one another. 
Three cousins were home from college and D flew in from job hunting 2500 miles away. It was a wonderful time for all.</p>
<p>S gave all the cousins and my folks GUND teddy bears from Amazon.com. They were SO soft.</p>
<p>I walked with D2 today in the woods. She was as carefree as a young child. It was so delightful.</p>
<p>peacefulmom sounds so nice … brought back memories…good tears</p>
<p>The lion that got loose in our area was captured today. The lion is okay, and no one was eaten alive.</p>
<p>[Lion</a> captured after escaping enclosure at Survival Outreach Sanctuary in Spring Hill](<a href=“http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_pasco/lion-captured-after-escaping-enclosure-at-survival-outreach-sanctuary-in-spring-hill]Lion”>http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_pasco/lion-captured-after-escaping-enclosure-at-survival-outreach-sanctuary-in-spring-hill)</p>
<p>Lizard- our deer jump a 10 foot fence- seems a little low to me for a big cat- glad she is back at home.</p>
<p>H and I figured out how to change from analog to a smart hdtv digital connection today for a new flat screen tv and reconstructed our antique dresser to retrofit it. It looks great. Also as an added bonus, I feel like we added new synapses today.</p>
<p>A deer got loose from the lioness’ spread today and gouged a lady’s eyeball out. Somebody needs to throw a big net over that place.</p>
<p>[Woman</a> gored by deer in Shady Hills | Tampa Bay Times](<a href=“http://www.tampabay.com/news/bizarre/woman-gored-by-deer-in-pasco/2160472]Woman”>Woman gored by deer in Pasco, suffers eye injury)</p>
<p>D2 flew back to school on Wednesday evening and when she arrived in her apartment (at midnight) it was flooded because a pipe froze and it was obvious maintenance went in. There were holes in the ceiling and plaster everywhere. No-one called her roommate or her to tell them. After being very upset, mostly because no-one called her, she stayed at a friend’s apartment. On Thursday she met with the management company at 10am and they agreed to move her to a new and nicer apartment in the complex. She called insurance, power company, cable, took all of her linens in to be cleaned. She went to Ikea today to purchase a new mattress and bureau and packed up the apartment–the management company has agreed to move what is salvageable. On Monday the new items will be delivered. Her birthday was Friday and she had plans with her friends for Thursday evening and her boyfriend Friday evening. Despite this setback in the apartment, she went out Thursday and Friday evening, took care of the apartment herself, found temporary housing with friends and went running, too. I am just so proud of her ability to handle a crisis!!! She has grown into a very capable and mature young adult!!! I am thankful that she can handle so much!!!</p>
<p>You’ve got every reason to be proud, pfmom.</p>
<p>My county’s animal shelter doubled their dog adoptions since going on Facebook - all that exposure is great for the shelter animals. People see their cute faces and read their stories, instead of forgetting they are there. Kind of random, but good!</p>
<p>There is finally some sunshine and warmth here.</p>
<p>Have had a great visit with D’s new doc, great friends from HS and cousin. My friend has become quite the gourmet cook and made us a fabulous paella last night! Such a treat! Also made some other yummy dishes. It has been a fun visit!</p>
<p>Have figured out how to add an avatar, but the waterfall is sideways. It is from our trip to Portland OR last year. </p>
<p>HImom I like the avatar - it is different and made me stop and think sideways.</p>
<p>S1 finally posted a photo of himself and his GF on FB. He’s been keeping things about her very quiet so I’m pleased that he’s gone public. And it’s a gorgeous photo, too.</p>