Jorr: Dreaming about fire signifies an internal passion about something. You also may have some temper issues?

The insurance deal signifies you are frustrated about something going on in your life.

With the insurance agent being an undertaker; the undertaker is a representative of death and death means the end of something and a new begining.

My synopsis is that something is going on in your life that is making you angry, you aren't dealing with this issue, you are frustrated about it, and it is a major thing in your life.

It will resolve itself one way or another and start a new chapter in your life. Maybe not quite a new chapter but a significant change.

Rant: A Catholic nun was murdered here this week. By a young man she was helping. He was high on crack and tried to steal her cell phone when she walked in. :-(

Rave: The weather has been spectacular.....sunny and 70!

Rant: This is the first year in a long time we didn’t take a spring vacation. I just couldn't swing it.

Rave: We played tourist in our own backyard yesterday. I dragged along my 14 yr. old son to see some of Buffalo’s wonderful historical places. He’s a freshman in HS, but it won’t be long before he graduates from college and takes off for greener pastures like most of the young people from around here do. I want him to remember where he came from and to have knowledge of the wonderful historical and architectural significance of this once grand city.

Rave: Although he enjoyed the places we visited, he really liked the old hitching posts I showed him. There are several of them still standing in front of houses from the horse and buggy days! Hey, sometimes it’s the little things.

Rave: It’s Friday!

Sending good thoughts to all who are suffering or having problems……..

Welcome back P_M!

Good thoughts for your mom Marigros.

Rave: A predicted 73 degrees today with sunshine!

Rant: But I'll be working. Oh well, at least I can take a walk after work and enjoy the weather.

Rave: My husband is picking up the necessary ingredients for mojitos to celebrate this summer-like weather.

Rave: My boss picked up some bread for me yesterday from a bakery in Missoula. The bread is delicious, and I'm excited to eat it as I can't get anything similar where I live.

Have a nice weekend! :)

Rave: Planter F. cure- had it for weeks upon end. It resolved itself with strong arch support shoes. And it hasn't been back in three years wearing the right, and VARIED footwear. It's important to change the height of heel besides the arch/heel angle support area.

Rant: The footwear are not stylish, and the days of spikey heels and darling open sandals are all over.

Rave: A six foot 5 inch son and a 5 foot 3 inch 11 year old granddaughter, who easily will be six foot tall by 16. She passed me up late last year. Ani, height can be wonderful. Ask my other son who 5 foot 10" and almost as wide as he is tall. He also got the poor eyesight, and the tall one can see like an eagle. Life is basically unfair.

Rant: I feel like I'm at the bottom of an endless pit and still falling. I couldn't envision these logistics or situation in my worse nightmares. Everytime I think it can't get worse, it does. My Dad is moved from hospital to rehab center. He is miserable, the place is marginal. I don't think he will get home for 2 to 3 months. By then, it's going to be too late. All he does on the phone to her is sob.

Rant: Siblings who insist we do everything the hard way. After this is all over, I probably will never have a sustainable relationship with one.

Rave: My Mother who with half a body and under the most miserable physical conditions and surroundings I personally have ever seen in a living human within their own home, is becoming more kind and saintly every day. It's like her "real" personality has been burned off. And it's not medicine. She still won't take opiates or even Vicadin.

Rave: Stase from Lithuania who has made it possible for me to at least keep my job. Her English isn't good, but her personality is full of quiet and kindness. Also she's great on wound care dressing changes.

Rave: Hospice workers and social workers. Although they don't and can't really tell you anything positive when there isn't.

Rant: Gas prices, just when I have to drive 10 times more than normal to Chicago constantly.

Thanks all who are thinking of me. It helps. Because sometimes I think of all you good people out there living your lives, traveling etc. and then I go punch some pillows, or go out to the prairies (when I get home) and scream and it helps me from turning the anger at this continuing nightmare outward.

Ignore my gloom, I just had to vent because I have another weekend of hell approaching. I can no longer remember normal. And forgive my run-on sentences.

Enjoy this spring for those who can't and yes, turn off that disgusting toe nail commercial.

Well I couldn't really think of rant until I tried to type and a big picture of Goofy - the cartoon dog was holding a pan on fire over the screen I am trying to type in!!! Ughhh...

Rave - sitting at my desk - looking at all the flowering trees, lovely breeze coming throght the window...

Rave- Hopefully planning first trip to China this July. Shanghai looks amazing - Husband has conference there so I am trying to tag along and add several days for touring!!!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend...

My best wishes go out to Marigross and JJ5.

No rants today, thankfully. The weather isn't great, but then it IS Minnesota in April.

Rave: My very sweet co-workers got me flowers for my birthday last week.

Rave - Sister-in-law had healthy 10 pound baby boy last Wed. First biological grandchild for my mother. Dad passed away 4 years ago so they used his name as the baby's middle name. I was at the hospital and saw him moments after birth.

Rant - Gov't rules and regs - what I had to go thru to take 'lunch' from 4-5 so I could leave early and get to the hospital in time for the birth. With my recent trip to Switzerland and 2 more coming up this year, i have no leave to spare.

Rant - Boss has gone to FL, leaving senior co worker (same level) in charge. She is like a Drill Sargeant "These are the rules and I'm a stickler for the rules..." I made up a "marching" song; we are busy saluting behind her back and even made up 'hall passes' to go to the bathroom.

Rant - Co worker/friend who makes work actually fun has been sitting at the hospital while her husband undergoes heart cath and other tests. She is beautiful and in fabulous shape and ready to retire - she might spend her retirement taking care of a sick hubby instead of taking a trip to Capri for her 60th birthday this year.

In spite of the rants, I'm actually happy and excited about the possibilities in my life.

JJ5; The ranting got me through my mom's hospital/rehab/nursing home stay a few years back - when traveling and life were all put on hold -
so let it all out! I remember many nights pounding the steering wheel as I drove home and taking a hot shower where I could cry my eyes out without the smaller ones witnessing my meltdown...

if you have good health care workers love them dearly, if not, insist they bring good care in - and if necessary, don't discount if health permits him, a little something like paxil for your Dad temporarily to get him over the not unusual depression of being where he is -

my thoughts are with you - trying to keep his spirits up, your moms, and yours is a juggling act to be sure.

JJ5, don't forget there are those people thinking about you out there-we had our own saint, Maria from Poland when my grandma was ill and she literally saved my mom, and vicariously, the rest of us. My mom still talks to her today, almost 10 years later.

Rave--gorgeous weather here and baby's Christening is Sunday!

Rant- one last week of FMLA leave and I'm back to work-boo! But at least it's only part-time.

Rave: Annesherrod's China trip - we just returned.
Rant: China is hot and humid in July.
Rant: Ongoing illness and personal problems.
Rave: A TA member from CA I helped a bit is being married here this w/e and we're invited.
Clarification: It's proxy season, so I vote all my shares (XOM included) against corporate greed - hey, not much, but ...
Rant/Rave: China's Hu Jintao told the US to stuff it re: energy. How does $100./b oil sound? Remarkably, China's energy use is way less efficient than the US, but her needs are growing exponentially and are being financed by the US trade surplus.
jorr: I have those when I unknowingly overdose on monosodium glutamate.
LoveItaly: Possibly a needle stick? I certainly hope not.
Rave: Parking is free at the QRO airport for our travel to NYC next week.
Rave: Staying at friends' apt on 6th bet 56th and 57th.
Rave: Harper Collins is hosting a dinner and a reception on two successive evenings next week for DIL's new book release.
Feliz fin de semana.
M

About that dream. After reading some of the comments I think it has to do with heart burn that night. The fire started in the room where I sometimes eat and watch TV. The fire started because of a gas line break in that room. Gas line equals GI system. Fire equals burn. Fire truck on fire racing by and not stopping equals no help available. Eating in a room other than the kitchen equals bad eating habits. Undertaker as insurance agent equals doctor who told me to watch my diet better and now all quarentees are off.

Greetings dear FFR&R'ers ~

I wanted to come on to specifically say hi to everyone, may you all be having a peaceful week.

DH and I are holding our own here, we are very lucky indeed to have one another. I am still being followed very closely by my doc, and have we have chosen to take the less aggresive route, essentially lettting nature take it's course verses surgery or any meds at this point. I was there four times this week for bloodwork and u/s and they feel we are reasonably safe to follow this route. God bless the phlebotomists that get you on the first stick.

My wish for all of you is that you have someone dear to your heart, just one soul, that gives you love and shares your tears while you go through sadness; be it a friend, virtual or otherwise, your true love, a parent or your little dog... because it is through them that even with sadness you feel truly blessed and lucky.

Hugs and thanks to LoveItaly & OWJ.

A very special hello to my cmcfong. Miss Sophie and I send our love.
((L))

Tiff, your post brought tears to my eyes!

Rave: Planning a trip to Orlando next month, DH and I will go to the Magic Kingdom for the first time in about 15 years! Also planning a trip to Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix. Then an October girlfriends' weekend to Atlanta for the race there. And a week in September with my friend from England!

Rant: I really need a job to pay for all this! what to do, what to do.

Oh Tiff, I am so glad to hear from you. I know your dear husband is being lifted by your spirit and strength. You are really an amazing woman. You hold a very special place in my prayers. I am glad little Miss Sophie is helping.

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend.

P_M, I am happy to read DH has fully recovered from surgery and hope that your sister is okay!

Divingaggie, I am so sorry to read about your dad and will keep both of you in my prayers.

fun4all4, thank you! Hope you enjoy(ed) a great time with the girls this weekend!

bonniebroad, thinking of you and hope you are well.

all raves:

I am seeing my little niece for the first time tomorrow! She was 2.5 pounds when she was born - 9 weeks premature. She's now over 5 pounds!

I got a promotion at work and a big ol' raise.

my lyme disease is finally GONE gone gone. yay! no more meds.

My house in SC is really coming along. It looks like a house! They have the tile flooring done and have started the hardwood parts. and next wkd I am going to fly down to visit it!

and 4 weeks from today I am on a plane to Italy!

can't complain at-all.

Tiff, your post really touched my heart.

Schmerl, if the pain doesn't go away I will run to the podiatrist. I was on my feet today and it was tolerable.
Thanks.

Fun4all4, divingaggie,jjr thanks too.
divingaggie, sorry about your dad.

Rave: Had a nice day with my girlfriend. We looked at dresses and had lunch out. Almost adopted an adorable dog from a shelter, but chickened out because no one from my family was with me.

Marigross, sorry about your mom's illness.

Otto, wear sunscreen!

JJ5, my thoughts are with you.

escargot, I wish I lived near you too. I would like to have more friends.

Rave: Enjoying a glass of white wine.

Rave: my house looks clean. (notice I said "looks" clean.)

Rant: when my DH asked what's for dinner I told him pork loin. He said we had beef all week. I reminded him that we had chicken yesterday, and pork is the other white meat.

Rave: My Prince is coming to stay with me on Sunday!!! I am going to give him lots of doggie kisses and hugs.

Everyone have a good weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Boy, life is throwing a lot of curves to a lot of good people!

JJ5, I hope your relationship with your sibling isn't irreparable when all is said and done. Life is short and family should be what keeps you going when you think you can't deal with any more adversity. I have a 35 year old son who had no relationship with his father for the past 15 years (it was the fault of the dad, who was SUPPOSED to be the adult). Five months ago, the dad asked my daughter to have my son call him because he wanted to make amends. Son took his time, but finally called his dad last week and they talked for 1-1/2 hours. Since then his dad has called him two more times. I told my son that my main reason for wanting him to contact his dad was because, if something happened to his father, I didn't want him (son) to have any regrets. As I said earlier, life is short and, as you get older, it's easier to let go of past grievances. My new mantra is "Will it matter a week/month/year from now?" If not, it's not worth losing sleep over. My prayers go out to you and your struggles with both your father and mother.

Tiff, I don't post regularly, but I do read the weekly FFRR's. I can see that you and your DH are both very strong people, and will persevere in the end. Crib death took my first child and, although my heart was broken every month that I didn't conceive after that, my strength and faith kept me going until God finally gave me my daughter and two years later, my son. Keep the faith, and remember, you are so blessed to have the love and prayers of so many people on this board.

My raves:
The beautiful weather and the joy of being outside to watch a high school track meet on Wednesday and to do yard work yesterday.

"Menopause, the Musical" at the Gem Theater in Detroit last Saturday with a dear friend, and the added bonus of a few hours at Greektown Casino (where I won a few bucks!). It was a glorious day and we enjoyed a glass of wine at a table in the courtyard of the theater before laughing ourselves silly at the performance.

My 17 year old grandson (a high school junior) meeting with a college counselor and making the decision where he's going to study to become an architectural engineer. Also, my freshman granddaughter finishing her driver's training and ordering her class ring. Where does time go, and why have I become so old?!!!

After being retired for a whole year, having an interview today for a fun part-time job (15 hours/week) that will give me plenty of flexibility and $ to add to my travel fund.

Planning a trip to Tuscany with son and his SO. Lots of research to do, which is almost as fun as the trip itself!

Rants: None at this time!

Happy Spring to all, and to those experiencing hardships, my prayers.

Our dear Tiff: I've been overseas for a couple of weeks so this is the first I'm hearing of your news. Although I've been away I don't know the details, I think I know what has happened. I am so very sorry, my heart is breaking for you, our beloved Tiffy. Many hugs to you and Mr. Tiff. ((u)) ((f))

divingaggie, so sorry to hear about your dad. My granddaddy went thorugh a bad spell when grandmother passed, but he got through it and lived on for several more years. I'm hoping for the best for your dad.

escargot, am I understanding this correctly--your friend's son gave his own mom a kidney? What an extraordinatry person he must be!! I'm glad your Maltese is OK. ((Y))

Marigross, please keep us posted. We will hope and pray that your mom's cancer was indeed caught in time.

JJ5, my dad went through the same with his siblings and there was a time when everyone thought the relationships could never be salvaged. It took a few years, but it did happen. Please do not lose hope for that. Thinking of you as always. >:D<

Vicky, congrats on the new nephew. ((A))

Rave: I talked to my sister and she's feeling OK. Her problem was complications from childbirth. What's funny about that is her only child is 22 years old!! Just after he was born she found a knot under the scar from the C-section. Over the years doctors have told her it was scar tissue. But a couple of weeks ago it started to really hurt, so she went to the ER and leanred that it's an old, dried up blood clot, NOT scar tissue. It was removed and she's OK now.

As for dealing with TV commercials, I have found the perfect solution. Get a DVR and record all of your shows so you can zap through the commercials. I have learned that a one-hour show can be viewed in 42 minutes if you zap out the ads. So now I do not waste any time watching all of the annoying commercials for Lamisil, Viagra, feminine stuff, etc.

Now if only I could figure out how to get rid of that friggin Goofy on my screen. X(