I would certainly start by searching for something reliable for the 5K as Scarlett suggested. Anne

My days are filled with music lessons & practice (people who take up instruments in their 50’s need LOTS of practice!! :-)), bible study, volunteer activities, a grandchild, exercise, and reading. Occasionally I do some housework.... I have dreams of conquering the clutter in my house, but so far I haven’t had time to do too much of that. Anne

Oy. That sounds awful. Anne

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Anne

I eat it almost every day for breakfast with eggs or sausage. I usually add additional vegetables: green beans, carrots, greens (frozen or fresh), sliced Brussels sprouts, whatever I have on hand. I sauté it in butter until done, usually I just season with salt & pepper. Yum. Anne

Our traditions have definitely changed since the dc grew up. And now there are grandchildren! Some things we still do much as we did them when the kids were little, with whoever is home. Other things have gone away, but new traditions have taken their place. In keeping with some of the other threads about holidays, I try to focus on what really makes people happy, and not just mindlessly repeating ourselves!! Lots of communication about what each person would like/not like, and lots of margins - not *everybody* has to do every activity!! Anne

My dh and I have been married over 35 years - we are aging and there’s no disguising that fact! When I look at my dh closely, I see that his face is wrinkled and his hair is thinning, and he has grown much heavier than he used to be. But when I look into his eyes, they’re still the same eyes I fell in love with 40 years ago, and that’s really all I see...ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ Anne

There are many great Christian books out there on the whole subject of rebuilding your marriage and the question of divorce. No need to read questionable materials. Anne

I didn't read all the other replies - but help with taxes would be high on my list - taxes for expats can be very difficult! And yay for the Czech!! I have friends who've been and say it's a beautiful country. Anne

You are missing nothing. There is a disconnect. Stick to your guns. Would be terrible for your son to have to sit and watch other kids be active for the next 4-5 weeks and being tempted to participate (which he will be!). Anne

This. You don’t have to continue your MIL’s tradition!!! Take the part you like, maybe the get them a new stocking part - but get them one you like or are able to do. Remember that your new son in law is just the first of a number of new people who will be joining your family! :-) Anne

I would sit down with her and make a budget - that discussion will help you discern “wants†and “needsâ€. You can then make a good decision with her input about what is reasonable for you to pay. Anne

I just want to second Tap's advice to take a walk - you will feel much better for it!!! Anne

If I was dubious about my ped, I'd be tempted to follow up with the surgeon that saw my other son.... Anne

I agree with all the other advice, except I'd say figure out what your budget is BEFORE you sit down with your son & his fiancee. Anne

I appreciate your desire to be gracious, and if she was only eating with you once a month or so, that would be one thing. But if she's eating with you once a week or so, it doesn't seem right to so drastically change your family's eating for one person. I say, keep making your very vegetable-y meals, don't comment on her eating choices, and make sure she knows you completely understand your family's eating habits may seem weird to her and she's completely welcome to help herself to anything else she'd like and nobody will care or comment. Anne

If it were me, I would ask her what she does like to eat, and then I would make every effort to have some of that on hand. I would then do what Jean suggested - cook as I normally do and let her know that she is always welcome to help herself to the things you have on hand for her. IOW, I would want to make an effort to have foods that she likes available, to show love to her by acknowledging her preferences, but I would not be willing to change my family's eating habits nor turn myself into a pretzel on a regular basis. Anne

Most airlines allow you to check your car seat(s) for free. Anne

I could hardly bear to read that.... so sickening

I'm making a chicken-butternut squash kale soup for dinner tonight. It's a new recipe for me, so we'll see - but it sounds good! Also saw a recipe for curried butternut squash soup that I printed off and will try next week. Anne

We eat some meatless meals, but most of them involve cheese, and/or eggs, which I understand vegans do not eat. Anne

Can anyone recommend a website that makes it easier to coordinate help (like housework, visits, etc.) for a family in a crisis? I use Take Them A Meal for coordinating meals, but that won't work for this challenge. Thanks in advance! Anne

I love the bags I have collected from all the places I've visited. Each time I go shopping, it's a trip down memory lane!! I do look for bags with a reinforced bottom of some sort. I like plastic-y bags more than cloth b/c they're easier to wash. I also like to have a variety of sizes for different shopping trips. Anne

"disappear it" in the middle of the night......????

Hot wax treatments help my dad. Anne