Who pays the vet bills? Who pays to feed the pony? Are you liable in any way for the time they use the pony for riders besides your daughter? Who mucks the stall and keeps the pony's house happy? If the pony is injured or lame do you get your money returned or is their a clause in the contract that releases you from paying for an unridable pony? Also, does your daughter have her own tack and supplies to take care of the pony or will they be supplied by the stable? Who pays for hoof trims and shoes? What about fly spray? Just a few questions. This was my girlhood dream so I'm sure your daughter would be thrilled. Just make sure you read the contract and consider all the possibilities carefully before you sign on the dotted line....

I would absolutely keep to my original plan and give him the money. Married couples typically go through a few years of "this is yours and that's mine" before everything becomes "ours". He may feel uncomfortable spending her money, and he might like to have a little economic power of his own to treat her without feeling like he's spending her money. I would guess it would take awhile, maybe a long while, before he looks at her money as his own. Men usually want to be able to take care of their wives financially no matter how wealthy the wife.

Thanks to all! I realize the future is impossible to predict, but that's never stopped predictions before.:D I've decided to play it safe and pay the extra money to stay as far south as possible and avoid London and British Airways. I appreciate the update from everyone on the current situation. My Mom was stuck visiting me for an extra week when the volcano initially erupted and I've heard that air travel is still iffy in some places. Anyway, I went with more expensive tickets and travel insurance just in case!

That explains why the through London tickets with British Airways is close to $300 less than the competition. Thanks!

Rebecca, We're moving to Turkey this summer! We're actually thinking about driving from our current home in Germany. Did you make your scheduled flight?

I am trying to make plans to travel and I don't want to get stuck! The flight I'd like to take goes through London in about three weeks. I am worried if I fly through London, I may get caught. I am especially suspicious since the cheapest tickets for my route all go through London.... Anyone know what the anticipated volcanic ash situation is likely to be? I am not up to date since most of Western Europe was shut down a month or so ago. I know they have closed or slowed travel since the big shut down, but I don't watch the news enough to stay informed. Thanks for any help!

As I understand it, the essays are graded by two different graders using a scale of 1-6. The two scores are added together. If the scores are more than one point apart, a third grader is brought in to settle the difference.

Thanks! Anyone know if it's sold as a set anywhere besides Amazon for a discount?

I'd like to buy Joy Hakim's science series for some summer science reading. I have a few questions I would love answered: 1. Can you buy the series in soft cover? 2. How many books are currently published? 3. Has the series been completed or are there new editions anticipated? 4. Does anyone sell the entire set like you can buy her entire US History series? Thanks to anyone who knows!

Can he ride a bike? Or what about a battery operated little bike or car? Or maybe about a wagon? You could pull the wagon empty until he gets tired and then he could ride. He might enjoy the wagon at the lake for carrying things he collects. Another possibility is a pony, but I guess that's probably out of the question. :D Otherwise, I actually think if you don't walk too quickly, three miles could be reasonable. The problem is pace more than distance, I would suspect.

You absolutely can use a dvd or a flash drive. Really. I do it all the time. Does it make sense to you that the only way you can access data with a mac is through an external hard drive? Of course, not. You can burn a dvd or use a flash drive easily. Why does the computer have the ability to burn a disk if it can't burn a disk? Crazy talk. (0; For the flash drive, just plug it in and drag and drop. For the dvd, your computer will probably prompt you through the process. If not, look at the instructions I linked below. Sorry you're having such a hard time.

Apple's website has many tutorials and support files to help you. You have many options for backing up files: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2096 Here's how to burn a data dvd: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1479 Your backup options are not that different than with a pc. The wireless Time Machine is incredibly awesome and I love it, but any standard option (dvd, flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) will work just fine.

They offer a full curriculum complete with AP classes and a real cap and gown graduation ceremony. They will transfer credit from home schools. Has anyone used them before for any classes? http://highschool.unl.edu/gettingstarted/courses/index.shtml Anyone used another university program offering an accredited high school diploma? Thanks!

We've lived out of the mainland US for six years now. We currently are finishing up our third year in Germany. We're heading to Turkey this summer to tack on 2 more years outside the US. The time zone will be a big zonk initially. Traveling and moving with my younger children is usually exhausting mainly because of the physical adjustments everyone has to make. Getting used to the water, finding (and having time to cook when moving) your favorite foods, adjusting to the environment if you're allergy inclined, and adapting to the new local illness causing "bugs" of the community (usually made worse by compromised immunity from the exhaustion and stress of moving) always take some start up time especially for my younger kids. Otherwise, kids, especially littles, can usually get in the groove pretty easily. A huge plus will be all of the extras you can find easily in the US (swim teams, gymnastics, music lessons, art lessons, like-minded real live breathing home schoolers, etc.) that are difficult to find when you're overseas or in the middle of Alaska (personal experience there....;) For my collection of kiddos (ranging in age from 13 down to almost 2), the older they get the harder it is to move. My 13 and 11 year olds are a little sad this time, although for past moves they have adapted quickly. Will you be closer to family? Traveling state to state seems like nothing to me now since I currently have to cross an ocean to visit. No matter where we ultimately settle in the US, it will seem like it is close to family. Good luck with the move. Hope you settle in quickly for the next leg of your journey!

Stay here. Read these boards. Pay close attention to the High School boards since your child sounds older than I suspect those children of the average AL board posters. It's amazing the font of information that flows through these hallowed hallways. Ask questions and read here frequently and you'll get up to speed pretty quickly about many resources you (and most public school teachers) had no idea existed.

A couple of things worth noting: 1. It's not the same test I took a few (cough, cough) years ago. There is an essay section now and there are no analogies on the verbal section. I also think the level of math is slightly higher than the math from years ago. So, when advising your child be aware of any changes from the test you may remember. 2. They will send you the actual test your child took along with your child's answers *and* a solution key. No kidding. It's amazing. I still can't believe it. 3. There are a bunch of different talent programs each offering their own courses and camps. Shop around. You can join more than one. 4. You don't actually have to be a member of a talent search to test, but be aware that if you're not, then your child's score (no matter how high) may not be eligible for ceremony awards that some talent searches offer. Testing independently runs the risk that your student may miss out on some recognition. May or may not be a big deal to you, but be aware. 5. Don't overstress or over prepare. You get a better measure by letting them take the test fairly green. My daughter did practice the essay writing a little before the test and she did questions from the SAT "question a day" that they send you for about a week before she tested.

"AP" is pretty meaningless, imo, without the test to back it up. This is *especially* true for a parent designed course. An objective measure administered by an unbiased agent is necessary to validate the course label. I wouldn't worry about the label on the transcript if you plan to utilize the test. The scores will speak for themselves.

I agree. It's in the beef and the cut. Generally, sirloin is less expensive than other cuts, a little tougher, but flavorful. Filet mignon is very tender, a bit less flavorful but again *very* tender. Ribeyes are actually rib roasts cut into steaks. They are high in "marbling" which is fat so they are very flavorful, but they can be a little fatty. "T-Bones" have a NY Strip on one side of the bone and a filet on the other. They are a bit more expensive, but you get the flavor on one side and the tender cut on the other. NY Strips are tasty and tender. They are a good all around choice, but they can be a bit more expensive. Generally, we cook sirloins. They are less expensive than other cuts and still very good. We have five kids so price matters. My favorite steak is a filet. My husband likes T-Bones and Ribeyes. The key is to not overcook. If you only want your steak well done, it doesn't really matter what cut you get. It's all going to turn out tasting about the same. If you like steak in the rare (cold and red in the center) to medium (warm and pink in the center) range then cut matters a lot. Really, if you buy good beef, seasoning isn't that big of a deal. Salt and pepper will work fine. Good beef not overcooked is very flavorful. If you like steak well-done, then seasoning is probably more important. Good luck!

If you enjoy audio books, you don't have to wait! (Free audio book download link) http://librivox.org/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen/

Since I do not play piano and my name is Katherine, I tease my pianist daughter with this all of the time: ``What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is.'' ``We are speaking of music, Madam,'' said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply. ``Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?'' Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency. ``I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,'' said Lady Catherine; ``and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel, if she does not practise a great deal.'' ``I assure you, Madam,'' he replied, ``that she does not need such advice. She practises very constantly.'' ``So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music is to be acquired, without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.''

Happy Easter!

Did you see this recipe? Easter Chicks Serving Size : 18 Ingredients: Amount Measure Ingredient - Preparation Method DOUGH 5 cups all-purpose flour (5 to 5 1/2 cups) 1/2 cup sugar 2 packages Fleischmann's. Rapid Rise Yeast 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup evaporated milk (6 ounces) 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup butter or margarine (2/3 stick) - cut up 2 eggs Raisins GLAZE 1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (2 to 3 tablespoons) 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract To make dough: Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, lemon peel and salt. Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120: to 130:F); stir into dry ingredients. Stir in eggs and enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 to 6 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. To shape: Divide dough into 18 equal pieces; roll to 10-inch ropes. Tie each into knot, with one end slightly shorter than other. Place knots, short ends up, 2 inches apart on 2 greased baking sheets. Pinch short end of knot to form head and pointed beak. Insert 2 raisins for eyes. With fingers, flatten long end of knot. With sharp knife, make 4 to 5 cuts to form tail. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until almost doubled in size, about 20 to 30 minutes. Bake at 375:F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, covering with foil after 8 minutes to prevent excess browning. Remove from pans to wire racks. Place racks over jelly roll pans or waxed paper; immediately brush with glaze while warm. ____________________ To make glaze: In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients; stir until smooth. Source: "Fleischmann's Yeast" S(Internet address): "http://www.breadworld.com/index.html" Yield: "18 Chicks"

I like his topic sentence in the first paragraph better than the second. However, there are some sentences in the second paragraph that could be worked into the first paragraph to make a stronger piece. There are also sentences in both that should be reworked or left out. There are also punctuation and grammar errors that should be addressed in both paragraphs. He could combine his two paragraphs into one better one. Something I have my kids do sometimes, is take scissors and physically cut the sentences apart from each other. Then, take the sentences and reorganize. This process also makes it easy to throw out sentences you don't like. After physically reorganizing, I have them do the same thing on the computer. He sounds like a creative boy with fun ideas. I'd like to live in a book, too!

Go to the library and check out an SAT review book or just poke around the college board site. You can see for yourself from the practice tests the difficulty and types of questions. In general, I think the recommendation is for a student to have at least Alg I, Geometry, and be taking Algebra II. My dd will tell you there is too much Geometry on the test. :lol: Have you seen this: http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-practice-questions-math/math-concepts Obviously, for the CR section, the more reading a student has done, the better they'll do. I've heard you can't study for the reading section since you can't make up for not being well read. http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-practice-questions

Read Charlotte's Web aloud. Who wouldn't love spiders after meeting Charlotte? The more energy you give things sometimes the bigger they grow so I would be careful about your reaction to his behavior.