Now that's very interesting, thanks!

Very different author and books, but same for Alexander McCall Smith (obviously excepting the Botswana novels).

Congratulations! So much fun, looking forward to a baby and picking out books... Goodnight Moon Time for Bed- Mem Fox The Big Red Barn Peek-a-boo! - Ahlberg Owl Babies Probably not board books, but indispensable for us: Choo Choo- Virginia Lee Burton Cars and Trucks and Things that Go Make Way for Ducklings Mike Mulligan Everywhere Babies So many others...

Thinking of you and hoping for quick monoclonal antibody treatment.

This is the interaction I have had with a local relative. It *infuriates* me, but they are just oblivious. The disconnect is really something.

Given this, I'd sell it and use the money for something that matters to you.

I'd say selling the piece would be fine, but other outcomes are also fine. How old is your dd? Does she like jewelry, or antique items in general? I have one who would love something like that just for its own sake, as old jewelry, aside from any family associations, and one who'd have no interest at all. For that matter, boys might be interested too, and want to be able to give a future wife a beautiful piece. If one child inherited the jewelry, is there anything else to balance the inheritance: other heirlooms, from either side of the family, or items like the table or books other boardies mentioned? If selling it has cathartic value, and that's what you want to do, do it, without guilt. But if the item appeals to anyone, maybe try to give it a new lease on life, with better associations. Think of it as redeeming it from an unhappy past.

Thinking of you here, too.

Cluttered here without a doubt, but I don't think I could reduce the clutter very well. There's no storage space over the cooking area, so some things like salt and pepper are positioned to be accessible. Coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and toaster oven used daily Dish drainer, used constantly Mixer and kitchen scale used sporadically, easiest to store on the counter Salt, pepper, coffee, tea, maybe spices depending on what I've been cooking Dutch oven, kept on stove top Tea kettle (full of water), used to cover hot units on stove top: about to become obsolete whenever we finally get our induction cooktop Bread, baked goods, tomatoes, bananas, whatever doesn't fit elsewhere and has been left out

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I really wish there were a place to go see examples of these less common countertops. I hear different options, and think I might like them, but have exactly zero in-person experience. One thing that appeals to me is the notion of soapstone developing almost a patina, an aged, worn surface like old antique wood, where you can see that it's got a history. But I'd really like to see it before I commit myself. Magazine photos aren't the same. Showrooms around here have lots of granite, and quartz, and some solid surface counters, but no slate or soapstone.

I wish we could be fairy godmothers and make a comfortable chair and tea corner appear for you. Those sound like good ideas. I like the idea of earplugs or air pods or something of the sort, also. Sending hugs, at least.

Debating about new countertops here, too. I've read that slate and soapstone are genuinely impermeable, unlike granite. Soapstone is obviously softer. Both are highly resistant to heat. Anyone want to comment? I'll be driving today off and on, so may not be able to check back in immediately, but will as soon as possible.

Holding you in my thoughts. Hope that little boy feels better soon!

Thank you. This exactly. I get so tired of the talk about avoiding things that are "chemicals", or aren't "natural," as if being "natural" equaled being safe. (Not aiming this at you, @TexasProud, just a pet peeve.) Vaccines are better than Covid. I'll be in line as soon as another is recommended.

I'm so sorry.

I had imagined your kids were with you. So glad they're home safe and warm, and hoping you get there as quickly as possible. What a nightmare.

Take him at his word, by all means. A book or two, zoo trips, and if appropriate, a gift card for parents to use at their discretion sound like good ideas. In my experience, the kids had the closest relationship with the family members who listened to us about what the kids actually wanted and needed. Not coincidentally, *we* had the best relationship with those same family members, because they listened and respected our actual needs. It's not about the gifts, mind: it's about being the person who listens. There was a period of time when dds' friends all got a lot of cash at birthdays from grandparents. Our dds were occasionally jealous, because they got small gifts. All the while, though, their grandparents were contributing to college 529 accounts, which are much appreciated now. All that to say that there are lots of ways to give gifts which mean a lot and draw families closer together.

Crows here. I'm glad; they're so clever and interesting.

I'm so glad to hear good news. Holding you all in my thoughts and hoping for continued improvement.

Whose idea was the ballet... his or yours? If it was his, and he's enjoying it, I'd say support him in that. ETA even if it was your idea initially, as long as he's having fun, let him continue. If you yourself are uncomfortable because he's taking ballet (extrapolating from the first quote, here), he will pick up on that attitude. The best gift you can give him, besides support in pursuing his own passions, is an attitude of self confidence and security. Project confidence in his good choices, and help him find the words to respond confidently to others. Genuine bullies should just be avoided, but most people don't fall in that category. You don't want him to feel that he needs to change himself to avoid bad reactions from other people. Support *him*, as he is.

I'm so sorry.

Continuing to hold you all in my thoughts. I hope the surgery has gone well, and tomorrow brings further healing.

I'm so sorry this happened, but glad that things are as good as they can be atm. I'll be holding you in my thoughts through the day.

I'm so sorry. Yes, Covid is awful.

On my phone, I touch the three short horizontal lines in the upper right corner (to the right of "Well Trained Mind Community"), then "browse", then "clubs". The most recently active club is at the top. So, the active clubs are easy to locate this way, without scrolling through all the inactive ones. It's still several clicks, but if you want to monitor several clubs, it lets you see where there's been conversation lately.