Don't worry about the animals. They will forget by tomarrow. Just show them some extra loving this week. They never carry on for long, and they forgive you for everything. I told my dog today that life would be very lonely without her, and also very boring. This is her home, we live in it. Last week my daughter woke up to her talking to her. She didn't want to go out, she wanted her to move over and make room for her, the golden retriever she is. She moved and the dog jumped up, got compfortable and went right to sleep there beside her. Glad you survived your visit home. I know I find having other people around helps to deal with aging parents. Your grandkids were there for you. Good luck at Christmas, maybe now they will visit you, I can think + or dream as the case may be. Hug your animals tonight.

Dianne, so glad you survived the trip. I could feel the tension pouring from your post before you left. You got the flu because your body's defenses were gearing up for a huge fight and it took its toll on you physically. You knew you couldn't show any weakness to your parents so the stress hit your immune system instead.

I'm so proud of you. You did this for your son but it further validates the woman you have become, because you went back to the battle ground and the corpses are still slain.

Dianne,
Glad to hear things didn't drive you to drink!
My hubby and I went to NY and we both came home with the flu also! It's a nasty one this year!

Merideth, I think you're very wise. Stress can make me very ill. My body had to react in some way and chose the flu!

TV, sorry you guys caught the flu too. I'm slowly recovering but don't feel 100%. Hey, I lost 4 pounds tho! Ain't all bad

Queen JJ you know as well as I that you are incapable of being wrong, ah hem, stroke, stroke, he he!!! But ah yes, Dianne and wondeful, sweet smarty pants Sammie were missed and I can't wait to hear what she comes up with next, what a bird!!!