At 42 years old I've never had to buy a backpack. Where's a good place to get one, please? It needs to be a) under $50, b) long-lasting, and c) not butt-ugly.

I find that most sensible canvas and leather backpacks are found in university or college bookstores.

I have had success and longevity with an "Outbrook" brand one with a leather bottom.

If she doesn't let him visit, isn't she violating a court order? Not to get confrontational or anything but the custody agreement should be set, right?

My nephew dealt with this issue over and over again. It took four years and two lawyers for him to finally get joint custody with his son. The boy's mother always had some lame-ass excuse. He cried when he went, he was scared, my nephew hadn't paid his support (he broke his arm at work and was off for six weeks--support payments don't get taken out of workers comp checks.) That last one--illegal as hell. The judge finally threatened the woman with jail if she violated the agreement again.

Oh, Pix. I am so so sorry.

Skipping ahead to say {{{{{Pix&Drew}}}}} I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.

If she doesn't let him visit, isn't she violating a court order?

Yes, she is. Which is why I am so puzzled; she is not unintelligent, she knows this. She is just trying to be difficult, and get concessions. And she doesn't seem to see that conflict is NOT GOOD for the kiddo. I mean, seriously? How would she explain that he can't go spend the summer with dad, which he is stoked about?

All this custody stuff is supposed to revolve around what is best for the child, and reasonable for the adults.

Oh, no, Pix! I am so sorry! That is awful.

{{{Pix&ND}}} I'm so sorry.

Pix and ND, I'm so sorry.

oh no. So sorry Pix and ND

Pix and ND, I'm sorry for your loss.