Smonster, I really like that idea. I will buy some upfront from all of us--whoever collects money ultimately can just transfer a bit to contribute to them once we are good to go. I just need an address.

I've got an address where I sent her something last December. (I was getting rid of a PlayStation that I never used, and she bought it as a Christmas present for her kids.) She said in an email then that they were thinking about moving, but I don't know if they did or not.

I know, I know, the mother of all first world problems, but you know how much I love Halloween. Just missing you.

I know! I miss you, too! I have a kickass costume and I'm not sure where I'm going to wear it. I don't know who's going to Frenchmen, and I'm not going by myself. Making new traditions is hard.

Pix, as soon as I have a response with an address, I'll forward it to you. As far as flowers go, I would maybe stay away from very strongly smelling ones, since I know she has some allergies, but I am not sure what specifically bothers her other than lavender.

I can do the paypal collecting for whatever we decide to do later at my profile addy.

Tropical flowers like orchids and antherium do not smell and last for a very long time.

Might I suggest a blooming orchid? They are very popular (therefore available) a the moment, plus the added bonus of not dying in a matter of days, and not needing much care.

That's a great idea, Bonny.

Immensely shallow first world problem--I didn't bring my S2 X-Files box in to work, and I just finished S1! Woe! I am Scully-less!

I love us.

I also love my neighbor. He just washed my car for me, just to be nice.

Sounds like a plan coming together for Deena.

{{Pix and ND}} I'm right there with you with the pet watch. Brandy is failing fast. She is pretty much blind now, which I only figured out when she fell in the pool several times in a couple weeks. The vet says her increased restlessness and the standing around staring at walls is her mind going. He said that as long as she is enthusiastic about food and seeing us he won't tell me to make the call, but he wouldn't try and talk me out of it either. When I saw him a couple days ago he said to keep in mind that she is a working dog breed and has dignity. Ugh. Not fun.

In other woe is me news, my brother has been diagnosed with MS. My mom and step-dad are headed back to Florida because my SIL called mom and told her that her son needed her. He is too unbalanced and uncomfortable to work anymore. He has worked several jobs as long as I can remember. He will likely have to give up his weekend job too which involves hanging out at the beach. That will hit him hard. Ugh again.

While I am massively moaning, I also stopped by my son's apartment to pick him up for breakfast with the family this morning. (he has to eat occasionally) Beer bottles and trash all over the lawn of the apartment building, horror scene of party central inside. I told him I would wait in the car for him.

And now that I am done moaning I will let it go and go finish an outside project. A bit of fresh air sounds like a plan.

Laura, so sorry. That's an awful lot to deal with.

The Fates need to lay off buffista families. Now.