When I am sick, I want to be left alone. House elves should bring me tea, ginger ale, and/or cold OJ without comment. They should quietly pick up the used tissues that are piled up on the table or that have been flung somewhat near the trash can. They should not ask how I'm feeling or if I need anything. I will let them know.

My sister! Urgh. I just want to pull the covers over my head and disappear till I feel better. Making words is tooo haaarrrrrd. I have a sweet, caretaking, loving husband who brings me stuff and would fluff my pillows and wring my facecloth out in lemon lavender water to pat on my fevered brow, but if I can manage to crack an eye open I glare at him. If he comes close and looks like he's going to straighten the covers or fluff the pillow, I growl. Just--lemme 'lone. I'll croak if I need something, thanks. Love you.

Living alone allows me to do that kind of thing - if I'm sick and just want to pull the covers over my head and pass out until the bug has left, I can. The downside is, of course, there's no one to pick up soup, juice, etc., and clear a path through the used tissues.

I am a very needy sick person. I want foot rubs and tea and sympathy noises. It's amazing TCG is able to put up with me. Of course, he is fairly cranky when he is sick too.

I just called my dentist begging for a Vic refill. The side of my head, neck and shoulder feel like someone beat me.

Oh, sweetie, no. We hate the pain. So much.

My back is killing me. I have heat pads on and the cinchy belt thing that has a name that can't remember.

Pain bad.

I am also Vortex, Beverly and the others who just want to crawl into a hole alone and be sick in peace. It would be nice if house elves occasionally brought me ice cream, tea, hot and sour soup and ice cream and kept me supplied with the sort of books you can read when you have no brain. Having another human being around takes energy.

ND's mom is back in the hospital. We don't know how serious it is yet, but he's leaving now to drive to San Diego. We aren't sure when he'll be back. Quick recovery-ma would be appreciated.

Oh no, Pix. -ma to you all.

I feel that YOU should live closer to ME. That way I don't have to move.

We should probably appreciate this as relatve closeness, considering the move I'm pondering.

Lots of ~ma, Pix, and thanks for letting us know.

~ma to ND and his mom, Pix.

I'm not back there until the end of the month and I hope that she's well enough that I can't offer assistance then.