Hello, hello, hello!!!
Goodness -- I feel like I have been AWOL forever!
First -- thank you for all the sweet happy anniversary wishes -- that was yesterday. We're real party animals:

We went to church, napped all afternoon, I went out and got Taco Bell, and then we went to a movie --
Kill the Messenger. (It's about the Nicauraguan Contras/Freedom Fighters and raises the question whether or not the CIA was using drug money to finance the weapons we sent to those people. It's a pretty good movie, focusing on the small town CA reporter who uncovered evidence to that fact, but went through you-know-what once he brought the story to light.)
Today was ds's birthday and I cooked spaghetti, so the kitchen is still a mess, but I've got everything washed up except the pan the spaghetti and sauce was in. DH was a LOT of help getting everything ready and getting it cleaned up. Dmom and dbil came over and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Also, my duncle had his prostate surgery this morning, and apparently everything went quite well. They removed lymph nodes also, and he does not expect to have any reason to take treatments of any kind.
I've been trying to cuop while we've been out of pocket lately -- went w/dh & ds to a show Saturday, which ended up being about 3 hours away.
(((
Norma))) That is just so horrible -- the accident w/your dfriend's child... I cannot imagine what they are going through. (((HUGS))) and prayers for all.
Elizabeth -- (((hugs))) for you, too! Hope you have opposable thumbs by morning!
Also glad to hear (((
Kathryn))) is on an antibiotic, so maybe any thing that little tick was carrying will be wiped out SOON! (((HUGS))) and prayers also for your dd and dsil.
(((
Twins))) I am sooo sorry about your fall and the resulting bruises and pain! I guess you DO need a good cry. Also sorry things aren't working out more smoothly with your dsis' house.
Bon voyage and best wishes to
Sadie's ds! I know you must have mixed feelings about letting him go, but it will be so exciting for him.
There was an article in our local paper about Wmart and the insurance situation. Bad situation -- but I have a feeling Wmart is not the only place where more and more people are going to find themselves on part-time status so the employer doesn't have to provide insurance.
I'm wondering what ds/ddil will do when she goes on PRN status at the hospital. (Actually, she said tonight, nothing official has been done and she has signed no paperwork saying she IS going on PRN shifts -- but her director told her it was a "done deal.")
So much more I need to respond to but I'm using Topic Review to jog my memory, and I cant see far, especially considering I'm three days behind!
I am also battling some kind of rash -- my face/neck/shoulders/collarbone area -- all broken out in this blotchy red ITCHY rash. Also, my scalp is irritated and flaky. Plus, the usual itchiness I get in my elbows, behind my knees, and between my fingers has been flaring up. It has been bothering me for a week or so, but it is steadily getting worse. Dermatologist is in ITALY. He will be back tomorrow. I tried to make an appt and get this -- they said they could not see me until DEC. 22!

Now tell me, what earthly good is a doctor who can't see you for over 2 months???

They suggested I see my family doctor -- and said dermatologist might call in a rx for me. I told them to please tell the dermatologist to call ME tomorrow. If he does not, I think I will try to get an appt w/dh's dermatologist. In the meantime, I went to the drug store and stocked up on Benadryl pills and spray. I am also getting some slight results from Eucerin cream and lotion. Cortisone cream and Gold Bond medicated cream gives brief relief, but nothing major. It has been a long time since I have had an allergic reaction like this -- if that is what it is -- and I do not think I have used ANY kind of new product at all in the last month or so.
Hmmm... Pantene shampoo? But I haven't used it in the last week and the rash has gotten worse, not better, in that time.
* sigh *
Anyway -- that's the situation around lucyland.
I've got to finish up in the kitchen and then I'm going to veg out and watch some tv.