Sorry. That never fails to just aggravate the shit out of me.

I know! When I was a receptionist, that drove me batty. I would wait an obligatory two seconds and say "okay then, have a good day!"

my dog seems to have had an accident and is limping a bit again.

When Pua limps she's usually got a burr stuck in her paw.

Thank you, javachik. I'm trying to be respectful. I'm the most diplomatic of the bunch. My oldest sister will likely fly down in full battle mode if I can't persuade them gently.

I'm trying to be respectful. I'm the most diplomatic of the bunch.

He and your mom are so very lucky to have you. The options you and your sibs are providing are exceptional.

I'm trying to be respectful.

It was by no means disrespectful, I think that an already defensive person might take it the wrong way. I tend to be overly cautious in email, since an offhand joking "fuck you" caused a huge schism amongst my friends.

Letter will likely get chopped up a lot before I send it. We have time. We are already forcing them to stay until after June 1st when their grandson graduates HS.

Hee, sorry that your FCO'tDs make me chuckle so.

AND? So, what am I supposed to do about that? So and So is not fucking available, shit-for-brains, the fact that you, in the past, left a message and your call was not returned means a) So and So does not want to speak with you at this moment or thinks you're as important to his day-to-day as sloth snot and/or b) So and So has just not gotten around to you yet. Either way, I have no option c) for you.

So do not miss this. Even as ridiculous as our client can be sometimes (like wanting us to get new seating arrangements so that he could call any one of us to find out where someone else was and why they weren't answering), he never has pulled the "I just left a message" with the expectant pause.

I would wait an obligatory two seconds and say "okay then, have a good day!"

When I'm working reception I usually say something like "If I see them I'll be sure and let them know you called."

It's not true, but it generally shuts them up.

Laura hugs to you on this.

I've been going through similar things with my mother. Dad put his foot down about her not flying up to Ottawa for her nursing school reunion. She is still kinda grumpy about it and doesn't see that it would be an issue. She needs help getting in and out of bed, a cross country flight is not the best idea. There's also the upcoming issue of her Driver's License renewal. Thankfully she hasn't driven in a few years, but she's still convinced that she could hop behind the wheel if needed. I forsee a bit of a fight when the renewal comes up.

FCO'tD: I already left them a message.

I used to answer that with a spritely "Well, then, I'm sure he'll get back to you as soon as he can" which sounds helpful without actually making me do anything.

Good letter, Laura. You're smart to take so much care before you send it. I hope reason will prevail.

Dog~ma for erika's pup. Walter gets foxtails etc. stuck between his toes and then won't let me find them and pull them out, it's always worrisome.