Ugh Nora, it's sad how death seems to bring out the greedy. Always a bit disheartening. But I don't see how she has any claim on the punch bowl seeing as your grandmother gave it to you years ago, while she was living. I wouldn't indulge your cousin's claims on it whatsoever. If you want to trade the punch bowl for the hope chest, make an offer. But I would not give her the punch bowl and then expect her to give you the hope chest out of the goodness of her own heart. She doesn't seem to be wired that way.

I think I'd apologize sincerely for breaking the punch bowl and then make sure it was featured prominently in my next holiday photo.

I know it doesn't compare with Nora's situation, but speaking of craxy family - did I mention that my uncle and his wife, who my grandmother pretty much forced us to invite to our wedding, a) didn't turn up and then b) blamed this not just on *us*, but also on my mother, who was helping her partner at his mother's funeral at the time they're referring to...? They're still making a fuss and being super-wankers. But we have been strong and assertive and dealt with their passive-aggressive crap head-on and I am very proud of us for that. In between being pissed at them.

I'd say that definitely compares, Seska- what is the matter with people?? ISTG.

Does hair dye have an expiration date? I'm thinking of going back to dark hair, and I'm wondering if I can use this box of brown dye I found under the sink. It's probably two years old.

Nora - one my snarkier responses would be along the lines of "yeah, i guess gramma really was getting forgetful if she promised you a punch bowl she already gave to me FIVE YEARS AGO."

And yes, everyone should read _Feed._ It's pretty frackin brilliant. I liked it so much that after borrowing it from the library i bought it so i could re-read at my leisure. And i don't do that.

Zenkitty, hair stylist friend says hair dye loses potency. How old is it?

It's at least 85 degrees in my apartment. (That's the highest the thermometer goes, and it's pointing all the way to 85.) The air conditioners won't be put in until tomorrow. I've got windows open, which is kind of pointless because it's just as hot outside, and I've got the ceiling fan on, but it's still near unbearable. I'm just sitting on the couch reading, and there's sweat dripping down my neck.

Laga, it's probably two years old.

Worst sick day timing ever. Today is a holiday, so i'm missing out on 10 hrs of OT pay. *sigh* If only i had followed my instinct yesterday morning and called in sick yesterday, the day of rest might have been enough to get me through today at work and then on to my 3 day weekend. *smacks forehead and checks online bank account*