Ah, the mid-afternoon hot flash. To be matched by the wee hours of the morning hot flash, almost exactly 12 hours later. But I haven't had a period in months. So far I'm OK with this.

bonny, I went to the site to try to gather info for reasoned discussion (How long has the con been running, what size crowds expected, etc.), but then I saw that Cary Elwes is doing a panel and that was that. You Must Go. (Sorry, my PB LoveIsSoPure). But seriously, wear comfortable shoes, bring hand sanitizer, & pack snacks. Have fun.

he said he had trouble fixing the hand controls I currently have because he can't get the parts. He wants to sell me a completely new system for $1100.

Really? I'm...shocked, shocked, I say! Seriously, if the guy's just going to try to squeeze you for the extra bucks, you're probably better off with the guy you already know (& hopefully trust).

Connie, sorry for the sad thought spiral.

Since I'm not likely to be near a computer much tomorrow, just in case - Happy (pre)Birthday, bonny!

Really? I'm...shocked, shocked, I say! Seriously, if the guy's just going to try to squeeze you for the extra bucks, you're probably better off with the guy you already know (& hopefully trust).

Yeah, I know, but the thing is I really don't trust the guy I go to. He spends an hour fixing my car and two hours later I broke down. I really don't want to be on the highway and suddenly have no ability to get the hell out of the way. There are so few people that do this kind of thing that I really feel screwed over either way.

I don't have the money so the local guy putting in the new system isn't an option right now, but next car I'm going with him. At least he's willing to pick up my car, do the work, and then drop it back off. I was especially pissed that the current guy didn't offer to driver here and at least look at the car tonight. Sorry to be so wordy today, but I can't seem to stop being really really pissed off.

Don't be sorry, it sounds like a total rock-and-a-hard-place-style pain in the rear. I'd be pissed, and frustrated, too. I feel so lucky to have a mechanic that I do trust. I doubt my shop in San Diego is going to have any recs for you, unfortunately. Don't suppose there are any "differently abled" orgs or support groups or anything locally that might have recs?

I would be pissed off too, sj. Good grief, it could have been much worse!

So I put together a website for the house. When the realtor sign goes up, hopefully next week, there will be a drop down thing whatever they are called (like pending or pool things) and it will have the website address. I put together a quick teaser yard sign for the weekend that just says 'Coming Soon' For more information go to: and the website address.

If anyone wants to look at the work in progress it is here. I hope to get real pictures instead of cell phone pictures tomorrow. The cell phone doesn't really adjust for the super bright light coming in the windows at all. Also obviously need more text, but I am brain dead at moment. Thoughts appreciated. [link]

Don't suppose there are any "differently abled" orgs or support groups or anything locally that might have recs?

I called the Spina Bifida Association. They were unhelpful. I don't know why I still expect that to be different.

Maybe a group other than SB that still requires hand controls? Paraplegics? VA or Wounded Warriors? (And if you just wanted to come in and bitch, therefore making suggestions is unwelcome and/or annoying, I apologize. And sympathize).

Try your local Independent Living Center...every state has at least one, and they are full of disabled people with advice. (it's not as scary as it sounds)

Nice one, Laura! You make me want to buy that house. So nice and all the info I would want...except perhaps a picture of the back yard.

The 'coming soon' thing has helped to sell many a house in this 'hood prior to listing. Many without realtors. I hope it brings you much luck!

Epic, did you happen to take a gander at the photo and autograph prices for Awesomecon? I nearly fainted. I understand that for lots of folks, like Erin Grey, this is probably the majority of their income...I believe I heard Peter Mayhew say that once...but MERCY! The day I spend $50 for a line of ink from an actor's hand is the day I turn in my sense card.

I know that some folks are collectors making investments on future returns but still. I've never needed a piece of anyone else quite so much.

A few on the guest roster (which is far more impressive than I would have expected for a podunk like DC) don't even offer photo calls. I wonder if that means you pay the dosh for a preprinted signature.

RI independent living centers an State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)

1944 Warwick Avenue Warwick, RI 02889

401.738.1013 (V) 401.738.1015 (TTY) 866.857.1161 (toll-free)

info@oscil.org www.oscil.org PARI Independent Living Center

500 Prospect Street Pawtucket, RI 02860

401.725.1966 (V/TTY) 401.365.1839 (Spanish/Portuguese)

info@pari-llc.org www.pari-llc.org