> She likes to think she's all grown up.  At 16, she has the attitude
 > she can do any and everything.  Well, she needs to find out that life
 > is a lot different after age 16.
    :)  She will.
 > I've not read but one of his.  The girls like his puns, tho they claim
 > not to like mine.
    I guess I get enough of those from my husband, my dad, and my son.  Even 
my daughter is beginning to use them.  Oy.
 > I like James Mitchner, Tom Clancy and (some of) Barbara Taylor
 > Bradford.
    I've read a few of Michener's and didn't much care for them, but Clancy's 
pretty good.  Don't recognize BTB.  What does she write?
 > Any chance you will get back to college soon?  I know it will take time
 > after the move but hopefully something will work out.  Does Jesse go to
 > a full day kindergarten?  Look into some community center classes--or
 > theach some.  That would keep you busy!
    I don't think I'll be getting back to school for a long time, if ever. 
Jesse begins full days in first grade here.  But, I'm keeping plenty busy by 
doing volunteer stuff for the schools.  I'm making cards, certificates and 
other stationery for teachers and also stitching up a storm to prepare for 
the HS band's craft sale.  I was also working in the library on Wednesdays, 
but they had enough volunteers that they didn't really need me.  (And, I 
prefer these other methods, anyway.)
 > The fun of high school!  How big is the one he goes to?  The one out
 > here has about 2600 students; I think they need to start a second one.
 > Two smaller ones would be much better than one big one.
    Over 2000, but I don't know by how much.  They're trying to build another 
school here, too.  Two schools, in fact - a HS and an elementary.  The 
community is growing so quickly!  Unfortunately, the most emphasis is placed 
on keeping up with the number of students.  I'd like to see some curriculum 
changes, more computers, etc.
 > Well, pray.  I'll do likewise. He will be at an easily influenced age
 > but hopefully he's been well grounded in what's right & wrong to know
 > enough to stay out of trouble.
    That's my hope, too.
 > Yes, my mom's sewing ability is about zilch.  Her sister made my dress.
 > Last night I did most of one bride's maids dress.  It went together
 > quite well.  I just have the sleeves and drape to do, then hem it after
 > I get the horsehair braid & the girl gets her shoes.  Rachel didn't
 > realise the dress went together so fast; she went out for a while and
 > when she came back, I had done all that I was going to for the night.
 > (I had done a bit before, but not much that was obvious.)
    Where does the horsehair braid go?
 > You and me both!  You've been thru it so you know how I'm feeling. I
 > really appreciate the support you've given me thru this, believe me!
    :)  Thanks.  It's easier to understand something you have experienced. I 
was an ignoramus about coping with death until recently.  I *tried* to help, 
but now I know how poor my efforts were because I hadn't experienced it for 
myself.
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