Thanks so much for all the welcome back messages. I did miss all of you a lot.
Since the trip wasn't really a vacation, I don't have a lot of "fun" to report.
My Mom recently purchased a place in the same community that we are in because she is at the point where she needs some "help" and "extra attention". Her place is is a very short walk from ours. I can ALMOST see it from my front windows.
Anyway, We were both there to let her get familiar with what will soon be her new permanent home, and to get as much done as possible before she actually moves in (Oct). She seems to like it a lot and is thrilled that I will be close by.
I did some minor repair, a LOT of painting, cleaning, throwing out, etc. I am still suffering the consequences of all that exertion. I occasionally tend to forget that I'm not 40 (or even 50) anymore. I have a cronic problem with my right knee that has been letting me know that it really didn't appreciate all the activity and I had forgotten to take my brace which controls any side motion of the knee. It does help but it very ugly so I tend to "forget it" until it's really acting up.
I will be in Florida most of the year after the first part of October. There will be about a month of "no net service" again until Bill joins me in November. He can't quite see himself giving up Northern PA at this point so he plans to continue to return for a few months in the summer but I won't be able to spend that much time here due to Mom. I can't haul her back and forth either (or won't) because she has a couple of health problems that require regular doctor visits and I don't want her to have to deal with 2 sets of doctors. I can bring her up for maybe a month though, if she feels up to traveling.
Well, I am rambling.............sorry.
Tex,
I'm really glad the Maple Candy worked for you. I was really afraid it wouldn't. A person really needs a treat now and then.
By the way, love your new Avatar. 
Also the new "smilies"
Shirley
