Honestly, you have no idea what you're talking about. Queen Elizabeth works every day for the good of her people. She keeps long hours and meets with people on many levels. I admire and respect her so much after doing some of my own research through reading and watching documentaries. Yes, there are aristocrats and royalty that don't work and earn their keep, so to speak, but not all are like that. I suggest that you get some good biographies and do some reading. Lucinda

Well said, well said!!! We in America cannot possibly understand the role and importance that royalty plays in other countries. We have been attached to democracy for so long that it's beyond our grasp. But like Ellie, I voted yes anyway. Blessings, Lucinda

Another good option is radiology, as well as dental hygenist or assistant. Relatively short training with lots of job openings and good pay with benefits. Blessings, Lucinda

My dh is 60 and is back in school retraining through an online program to become a pharmacy technician. It is a high demanding job that he feels will not only be more secure than any other job he's had, but also a good fit for his last working years. The thought of lower stress appeals to him because he has been in the military, high tech and then truck driving -- all high stress fields. (Plus, after a stroke last year he has no other choice but to retrain, and it has to be short-term.) I'm mentioning this now because I'd recommend this type of option for anyone that wants to develop a career after hs'ing. There are a number of medically related jobs that are in high demand and don't require a four year college degree. Several years ago I started teaching art, the subject that was my major in college and something that I'm really passionate about. I eventually moved over to teaching at a private classical school in our area and found that I really love classroom teaching, and so I plan to do this for the next ten years or so before I am able to retire. Dd will go to the school for high school, and I'll be working more hours. This will be a big transition year for us as we prepare for that. Dh and I will both be working past 65 yo, but we both feel we've got really good plans in place. God willing, we'll get our ducks in a row again before we apply for our pensions and finally have the opportunity to slow down. Blessings, Lucinda

I'm on faculty at a local private classical school and I also have some private teaching that I do on the side. (I'm an art teacher.) In total, I work just a little over half time during the school year and have summers off. I feel called to serve other this way, and absolutely love my job. We will be transitioning out of hs'ing this coming year as my dd will be going to high school at the school where I teach, but I've been working part-time for the past five years since we've been hs'ing. It's tough to manage both things, but in our case I have no choice. We depend on my income -- but I also have to say that I'd work my job even if I didn't get paid because I love it so much. Blessings, Lucinda

I agree with all other posters here. Considering the gigantic resources available in books, online, through self help support groups that are live, etc. I would more than likely not be interested in a course that I have to pay for. If you have something special beyond the majority of sources out there, then I'd need to know more about it. Yes, a hook is needed, and most certainly a description of the courses along with credentials would be essential for most people. Best to you as you continue to explore possibilities. Blessings, Lucinda

It's a LOT of work for the end result. I own a juicer, but haven't had it out of the cabinet in ages. The juice is delicious, but the cleanup is more than I care to do every day. Like someone else said, I eat the whole fruit. The fiber is especially important when your intake of fresh produce is limited. Most Americans just don't consume enough, so my recommendation (fwiw) would be to buy fresh and eat whole. Then stop at a juice bar once in awhile if you enjoy the taste. Blessings, Lucinda

Praying with you, Chris. :grouphug: Blessings, Lucinda

With the 'free'' version you can also upgrade to customize your URL for a modest extra charge. When I set up my blog I opted to it and was able to do it there on the site with no hassle. One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to be an affiliate with Amazon or any other monetizing sources, you will not be allowed to do so with the online Wordpress template version. You would have to go with the download software version (wordpress.org), get a host, etc. Or you could just go with Blogger. Blessings, Lucinda

:iagree: I'm so sorry for your loss and for the pain that you are experiencing. Setting boundaries is extremely risky, but in the end we need to make and keep firm choices that benefit the emotional health and well being of both ourselves and our dc and family. My family is fractured in a couple of places, but the most painful and long-standing one is the relationship between my sis and I. I had to set a boundary with her regarding her abusive behavior toward me and the result was that she cut me completely out of her life. Very painful, yes, but I don't miss the abuse and drama of the past. I'd rather have a restored, healthy relationship, but it isn't just up to me. For sure. But at the same time it's terribly sad that so many families have split, don't you think? Yeah, it's not just my sis and I. She also cut out our mom and brother. And then a few years later my brother cut dh and I out of his life. We're heartbroken and sick over it all, but we also understand that you can't force people to do the right thing. They all know our door is open, so we've decided to pray for them and go on with our lives. Blessings, Lucinda

Same here. It was totally worth it. We moved across state and we had no casualties at all, plus the boxes stacked really well in the truck because of the uniform size. Someone mentioned craigslist to buy used boxes, and it would seem likely that a person could likewise sell good boxes to recoup the cost. I think that's what I would do if it were me. Blessings, Lucinda

Praying late, but for the outcome and also that those that were there "heard" your heart. Blessings, Lucinda

Thanks so much, everyone! Like a lot of others I sometimes forget to give updates after asking for prayer, so I wanted to let you know how things are going. I know how encouraging it is for all of us to find that prayers we've offered up are being answered. This is all an important part of the faith building process. Blessings, Lucinda

WWS is a very strong writing curriculum that I only wish my dd had at 6th grade level instead of waiting until 7th. She did have it last year though, and I'm so thankful because it made a huge difference in her writing ability. We find that WWS has a very good variety, and the lessons build upon each other with each new concept. One thing that particularly makes it interesting is the tie to actual literature as well as non-fiction resources that are topics of the writing. My dd just loves that about WWS. She's been drawn into some stories and books that she might have otherwise missed, which is an added bonus. Additionally, we are going to add creative writing on Fridays. I just ordered, "The Creative Writer" for this. It was designed to be used with WWS and I think it will add a nice twist to things. We'll do WWS M-Th and then creative writing on Fridays. So saying all that, I would not discount WWS for not having enough variety until you actually pick it up and look at it, and even better yet -- use it. Blessings, Lucinda

Yes, truly!! Really? Wow, that just warms my heart. Thank you for sharing that!! Blessings, Lucinda

We like Vocabulary from Classical Roots, a program we learned about from TWTM. They have workbooks that start for 4th grade level and go on up to early rhetoric. Here's a link to see them on CBD, but please note that the books are secular if that matters to you. Blessings, Lucinda

Things are looking pretty good these days for my son regarding his transition to another anti-psychotic medication for his Bipolar Disorder. He's been doing very well and I'm so far very relieved. I guess there's always some apprehension on my part because in the past, whenever he was doing super well he would soon after fall into another manic episode. This has gone on a little longer though, so I felt it was safe to report some good news. If any of you out there feel led to keep him in your prayers though, I'd be so thankful. A's life has been so difficult up til now, but currently he has a job that he really likes and he's been able to earn some of his own income for an extended period of time. I can't even begin to tell you how huge this is for him. Also, I shared in the past about my dh having to retrain for another career after having a stroke and losing his credentials to continue truck driving. Well, I have to say that he's doing really, really well in school. For the past five months he's been at the top of his class grade-wise. He's in a certificate program, but his adviser has been encouraging him to go on for the more advanced degree since he's been doing so well. And lo and behold, the VA has a special program running for the next 12 months and dh qualified to be in it! Our family has had so much heartache and stress for so long now, that I'm almost afraid to let myself be happy that these things are happening. All I can say, is that God is good and I am very, very thankful. Thankful for the doors that are opening for two of the most important people in my life and also thankful for your prayers, support and encouragement. ((Hugs)) to everyone! Blessings, Lucinda

Praying with you. :grouphug: Blessings, Lucinda

I checked several times all day. I never realized how much I come here until it was gone! Gosh, I really missed it. It has been a concern, though, about those that have been without power during this time. My heart goes out to them. Blessings, Lucinda

Have you read SWB's blog recently? According to her entry on 06/26, WWS2's beta testing phase is currently on the front burner. Yahoo!!! I'm sure there are others that are just as happy as i am to learn this. I just had to let out a big whoop-whoop when I read it this afternoon. :party::party: Blessings, Lucinda

Thanks to those that pm'd me. There is a taker, so this nice stack of paper will soon be going to another home. Blessings, Lucinda

What you say is what I've been doing, but I'd like to be able to do more than that. Actually, what I mean is this: say I write a check to pay the water bill, and I enter it manually into the Mint register. The problem is that when the transaction actually comes through the bank, it doesn't get matched up with entry that I put in manually for that particular check. I don't like this. I want to know how much money I really have available, not just how much is currently in the account. KWIM? Does that make sense? Lucinda

I like Mint basically, but there is one thing I have not yet figured out. Awhile back I read that it was an issue, but I don't know if they have created a work around for it yet. The problem is in having the ability to enter checks manually into the register so that they match up with the transaction once it goes through the bank. Anyone? Blessings, Lucinda

Are you using the 2009 edition of the book? That was the latest one, and it is only 3 years old. The choices in the book are wonderful. The only thing I would consider in addition to the resources listed in there would be WWS, also written by SWB, which just came out last year and was written for 5th - middle school grades to prepare them for rhetoric level writing. TWTM changed my life. I hope you enjoy your hs journey and find all that you need to succeed in teaching your dc. Blessings, Lucinda

I have a full hard copy version of the ALL sample that was sent out last year, and I really don't want to just throw it away. Not only is the ALL material wonderful, but the toner and paper it took to print it is something I don't want to waste. I even have the student pages all pulled out and separate from the IG pages. Even though it isn't a complete program, I think that someone could get a lot of use out of what there is in the 15 lessons. Would anyone like to have this? If so I'd be happy to send it to you for the cost of postage. Please send me a PM is you'd like to take this off my hands. Blessings, Lucinda