I will second that I have had so much support during mum's illness and when she died.
I just checked out your profile. You sure do love Dick Cheney.
I third that. FR is the best. Another one of my new years resolutions is to send a check.
Before Alzheimers made communication completely impossible, my mother asked if I thought there would be kitty cats in heaven. All I could think to say was: Of course, Mamma ... how else could it be raining cats and dogs? Somehow that satisfied her and she laughed. I inherited her great love of all animals, cats in particular ... and there is a great 20 pound Ginger Tom sitting right beside my computer ... purring.
My mother is never far from my thoughts because she is so much a part of who I am ... the same will be true for those of you who have recently lost your mothers. We take our comfort where we find it.
I am getting ready for New Years: the black-eye peas are soaking; I am candying some kumquats to use as garnish. I went to both of the stores here in this rural county where we live ... came home without a head of cabbage ... so, back out to get cabbage. A little cabbage goes a long way with us ... so I picked up the ingredients to stuff some of the outer leaves ... smothered in "red gravy" [tomato sauce to those who are not from New Orleans] ... I have plenty of rice on hand ... and a small boneless ham to bake ... We are all set for one of those wonderful traditional ol' Southern meals.
As I sit here, far from "home", I am listening to the CD my daughter gave me for Christmas of the original Dukes of Dixieland ... and my thoughts turn back to people, places and events from the past.
Tomorrow will begin a new year. I have much to be thankful for ... my beloved husband, who is in very frail health, is still with me and we are looking forward to good days ahead.
To all in FReepland ... blessings, peace of mind, good health and good FRiends ... who could ask for anything more?