First of all I wish to thank the multitude of people who wrote to me and expressed their condolences at Max's death. I never would have dreamed of it. I have been a member of the FML for many years. I usually read it but seldom post. What a great group of people. The other ferrets are doing well. Baby, the oldest of my ferrets, is starting to slow down due to age. Sara, who was my alpha ferret until the big ferrets moved in, now is so timid, due to the bigger ferrets beating up on her. That is my biggest problem now. It didnt used to be such a big problem but lately the three big ferrets have taken to beating up on the two smaller ones. Guess I will have to have separate playtimes. Wish I knew a solution for it. One does get tired of screaming at the big ones not to drag one of the little ones across the room by their ear. Sigh. Any suggestions (NO FLAMES) will be appreciated. I have been so busy that I apologize for not being able to answer each person individually. My youngest daughter is getting married tomorrow. My oldest daughter is having surgery in a short time and I must take care of her. And my devoted husband is to have surgery after that. This has been a lousy year. It started on Jan 1, when my dearest youngest brother shot himself after losing his wife only a month before. This left their two children (4 and 6) orphans and we had the care of them for a long time. Another brother (much younger) has taken the children to be raised with their children. So it hasnt been a good year. Hopefully things will be better. Sorry to air my personal problems here. Just wanted to explain. [Posted in FML issue 3099]