Ileen wrote: >fascinated by the blowdryer, sitting on their hinds legs and trying to Our's love to play with the cool wind, too. Seven year old Meeteetse is getting stiff in her hips with age so for her we use the heated setting and let her select her own distance and positions -- she turns and settles, then turns again and settles, easing each spot with the heat and kissing like crazy after she's done. Always runs more easily afterward. Fortunately, her response to getting stiff is to move around more so she'd doing the right things. She's such a sweetheart. Sukie Home News: Latest is that experts really want Dad to do something about his carotids so we're in a "hurry-up-and-wait" situation till his appointment with the vascular surgeon; my sister hadn't realized that what brain damage there is already from strokes is permanent so she's freaking long-distance. Evan (Steve's dad) is doing well with his triple-bypass but is exhausted and is exhausting Steve's mom, Sue. Steve heads out there tomorrow. His sister left yesterday. Steve hopes to find an arrangement in which a Registered Dietician can give some cooking classes to Sue and also be hired by us to provide some of their meals, and to find someone to help with house and yard work (G.F., MT if anyone is located there). Fran (my aunt with the recent strokes) is stable right now but they don't know if they are trying quite the right approach, yet. I get to find out early next month if I need surgery for a breast growth. Am trying to keep up with my mail, but I really, really APPRECIATE it that many people are being mum right now -- dropping me from the on-line newsletters and joke lists -- since I just do NOT have time except for the serious things right now. I am so behind on so many things. I'm not snubbing people; just don't have time and get so aggitated that I am sure I misappropriate some of what time I do have. We have 12 elderly relaitves and 3/4 of them have what will probably be their final health problems, so it's going to be a haul. [Posted in FML issue 2840]