~ma for Shir's fam and dog, Aims, Chikat, and the snowbound. Hope I didn't miss anyone.

WindSparrow, thanks for all the info. I will pass it on to my roommate and discuss. Since we're fostering, she doesn't buy the food, but I'm willing to pony up for an experiment or two. Made an interesting discovery today - kitty likes having her tummy stroked with moderate pressure, and it seems to spur her to eat more, purring while she does.

I need to take a shower. I have my first OKC date today.

Health-ma to all Buffistas and loved ones.

Poor DH is also sick with chills and coldish sypmtoms--and we are going to see They Might Be Giants at the Largo tonight. It's a tiny theater and he has been very excited about this, so I hope the poor fellow feels better soon.

Beverly, your list is my BF's list. I swap Cookie Monster for Bert.

I'm glad that Aims and Em are feeling better.

Snowmageddon!

Dog-ma to Shir. It's always rough when the furry ones are ill, since they can't tell us where it hurts.

I should do my taxes.

Much ~ma for Louie.

Have fun on your date, smonster.

Tummy~ma to you, ChiKat.

Aims I'm glad you and Em are feeling better!

I say STAY HOME! I speak from experience.

Strep throat is absolutely no fun. I am sorry for Aimee and lil one, and I sure hope Joe doesn't catch it.

Remember the Thanksgiving I went to last year in SoCal? The one where I didn't mention dietary preferences because my Uncle Steve was ill? Anyway, he died this morning. My cousin Rachel called me to let me know. She's been keeping me apprised. He was really strong and doing well until about two weeks ago, and he was mostly out of pain until the end. I wasn't particlularly close to him, he was good at giving blanket rides when I was a kid, and he always hugged me warmly at family events. But I was extremely close to his wife - she was another one of the long line of women who took care of me and mothered me and gave me lots of love when the MOT didn't. And I babysat all three of their kids when I was growing up, and it's satisfying to see what neat adults they've turned into.

It's funny how life works - I hadn't really spent time with the Foxes in many years, but because of Steve's illness, I'm in touch with them and being pulled in as family again and it's a good feeling. Rachel, his youngest daughter, is a truly awesome human and I'm touched that she's been reaching out to me and keeping me in the loop and called me to tell me about her daddy. And he was a good daddy and a great husband to Aunt Karen for over 40 years. His entire immediate family has lost their best friend and mentor. And his church lost its pastor.

Oh, java. I'm so sorry. What a craptutious day to some of Bitches.

{{{}}} and {{{}}} and ~ma to you, the family of Uncle Steve, and his church.

I'm sorry, sweetie.

I understand there is some sort of sporting contest today.

Oh thank you, Shir. It's sad but it's really a loss for other people, not for me. When Rach called me, I cried for how she must be feeling, not for the effect the death has on me. Does that make sense? Thank you very much for the kind wishes and hugs.

javachik, it sounds like the world was enriched by having him in it, and an emptier, sadder place without him.