So sorry to hear this, Hornblower - I am praying for healing and strength for you... :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Anne

I’m appalled - such people would NEVER, EVER be invited back to my house again. If they were parents or in-laws, I would rent hotel rooms. No way would I allow that kind of drama/control/nastiness in my house. Anne

I have recently noticed that a number of my friends are taking collagen. Does anyone here take it? I am wondering what its benefits are and which brands are good. TIA! Anne

OTOH, my kids always envied their friends who had more siblings - more built-in playmates, more “fun†at home... There’s always something!! Anne

I don’t think the entitlement comes from the trips/things - I think it comes from parental attitudes/lack of discussions, etc. My kids had more travel/stuff than many of their peers, but I’m pretty sure they weren’t “entitled†because they did see how most of their friends lived, and because we did a lot of talking about values and what was important, etc. Anne

I have my great-grandmother’s china that I would never, ever put in the dishwasher. I use it only when I’m willing to wash it myself - sometimes I get help, and sometimes not, but if I use it, I know I’m willing to do it all myself. This means that sometimes I use it - and sometimes I don’t! No guilt - no stress - just whatever *I* want to do!! Anne

This is a great update! :grouphug:

I like Native. Works pretty well for me. Anne

I wonder what it would take for him to get his CNA that would allow him to work in the health care field before committing to a nursing program?? Maybe visiting a couple of apprentice programs would allow him to see that these are "real" programs - not makework things that indicate you don't believe in him. You could visit them in the context of also visiting a college or two. He should do some job shadowing - I had both my kids do that to help them think about their options. Maybe you can find some trades that you think he might excel in to shadow *in addition* to whatever else. Anne

My mantra for my grown kids and their children is, what would you like to do and what would you like to avoid? Then act on those things to the best of my ability - even if I’m rolling my eyes... :-) Anne

Genuine question: what about people who are allergic to dogs? Are people with dog allergies affected by dogs in stores or do they have to have contact with the dogs to be affected? Anne

The pot pies look great. I don’t think you really need any sides - the pot pie has all the veggies and the puff pastry takes care of the bread. I would serve them with a salad, and I would just use salad plates. Or, serve in courses and serve the salad while the puff pastry is baking, and then serve the pot pies. Enjoy!! Anne

I always make lists - but I’m not Married to them! The list just reminds me of the goals I had, the ideas we came up with - they may - or may not - work out, but at least they’re not forgotten!! Anne

65 during the day and 60 at night. If we’re gone all day, I bump the heat back down to 62. I like wearing layers!! Anne

I often add it to chia pudding. Anne

I travel quite a bit with a friend who has more money than I do. We solve this two ways: one, when she is planning she always asks, is this okay with you? And two - I speak up when something is going to be too expensive for me. Usually when either of us have “dealsâ€, we throw them in the pot and then split the remaining bill. As others have said, I can’t imagine sharing a hotel room with someone I didn’t know well enough to say, hey, that’s too expensive for me - and that I didn’t trust to accept that without creating any kind of drama! Anne

This thread cracks me up - my dh and I are so lame when it comes to gift giving - we are willing and generous, but usually about as creative as rocks! :lol: I guess we're well-matched!! Anne

If you do decide to seek chiropractic care, I had great success with a chiropractor who worked with a physical therapist - they consulted about how to treat me and how to proceed. I would highly recommend seeking a similar situation if needed. Hope your dh recovers quickly! Anne

Absolutely do not fund college savings at the expense of your retirement!! I completely agree with the poster above who said there are always people who will loan your kids money for college, but nobody will loan you money for retirement. One of the best gifts you can give your children is a secure retirement - not talking about great wealth here, just the ability to support yourselves reasonably in retirement so that your children don’t have to budget for that! Anne

Praying for K and for you this morning. And sending hugs although I can’t find them on my iPad at the moment - maybe they have all headed your way!! Anne

The Anchorage School District says its too cold for outdoor recess when it is colder than -5F Anne

I agree with Diana P. About gettting out every day. I raised my kids in a pretty extreme climate so I know it’s hard. And your kids are in a difficult stage - no sooner get them into snowsuits than one needs to go to the bathroom or one falls down or.... It’s very frustrating! But if you can build it into your schedule - we’re going outside for 30 minutes every day after lunch except ______ - and then just do it. Make sure everybody has the right clothes - maybe your 4 yo runs colder than the others and needs more/better clothing. Maybe he or she just has a more complaining nature (I have one of each!!) Either way, they’ll adjust and everybody will be happier for getting outside, including you (of course, you might be happier when you get back in!). Anne

Costco!!! 😜 Anne

Highway 1 is closed from just north of Salmon Creek. Travelers CANNOT access the entire length of Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria. Anne

Title says it all. A friend of mine is dealing with a heroin-addicted adult child who is refusing treatment. There seem to be very few IRL resources for families that aren't linked to treatment centers. :crying: Does anyone know of any good online resources, support networks, etc.? Any and all recommendations appreciated! Feel free to PM me if you would prefer. Thanks! Anne