Wow Ellie: I have finally had a chance to read some of your story - guess I don't visit this part of the bb too much! LOL!
You are an amazing woman - one whom I hope I'm fortunate enough to meet soon during your visit to Niagara.
Glad your son is doing ok. My son at 15 had his spleen removed laparoscopically and he was fine in a couple of days - amazing how much easier these things go these days.
Anyway, glad I read your story. Stay in touch re your visit.
Hey all - leaving for vacation with H and kids - will be gone for little over a week. Wishing good things for all of you while I'm gone. I may get to see marchHare and Barbie Doll on my travels. Love to all
Hi all - back from vacation, and overall it went well. Spent a couple days in NYC, we went to a Mets game with H's college buddies, had a nice tailgate party with them and their families, then the boys went to the game while I took D back to the hotel - she was having a bad day, I think all the crowds and lights set her off for some reason. Missed meeting up with MarchHare, crossed wires and I think I brought her old cell phone number with me by mistake.
Then we went to my FIL's 70th birthday upstate, all H's sibs were there, it was a surprise. Overall, the week there went smoothly (never a guarantee with H's family). H's father is a LBS who never got over his bitterness - a good lesson in how, even if you are right, holding on to that sense that you've been wronged is destructive to your life.
H's grandparents were there too - they'll both be 90 later this year, have been married 71 years, they're still pretty spry and very cute together - always calling each other honey, joking with each other, looking out for each other. I know my H found it inspiring. I had a good time asking grandma and grandpa questions about the Depression, as I was reading a good book about it.
The kids were having a great time with all their cousins, so we never did make it up to Niagara Falls (sorry, Barb, I would have loved to have met you - maybe you'll come to San Diego?).
Anyway - I'm back and will try to catch up with everyone.
I was thinking about you and your D yesterday, as there was an article in our local paper about eating disorders, teenagers and the Olsen twins. I guess the concern of the writer was that the Olsens have been like "sisters" to a whole generation of kids who have grown up with them....I do think it is good that Mary-Kate has reached out for help...But how hard for kids like your D to be confronted witht newstands blaring headlines on one hand here are the 10 "fattest" celebrities and then on the other hand, Olsens and others with eating disorders....
It sounds like you had a great time with the inlaws. i love watching older couples that are cute and in love....My parents were like that.
Just wanted to say "Hi" and hope the rest of your summer goes well.
Love, sg
Oh, and PS.... Happy Anniversary!
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
Hi Ellie!! Welcome back, congratulations! quite and event and wonderful news about your everyday trials even with tics (yuk), I thought I would jump back on the board and ask the experts here a few questions and advice and was happy to see you smiling face in piecing. I really miss talking here and I really appreciate your sound advice. I almost printed one of your "recipes" as to why men have affairs for my H. Someone had asked if they should get more details and your comments were funny but true!! Stop by if you get a chance and good to see you thriving and happy. Shay
... that's on tough family you have there! 
Happy Anniversary!