Thanks Nancy, Al and Deb.

Al, you are right that failing appliances are on a little bit different plane, but a giant pain in the butt nonetheless . Right up there with car problems! We just pre-empted a dishwasher failure and got a new one before the old completely failed... a spiffy new quiet Bosch, and it really is quiet .

Deb, I am so sorry to hear you have not been well yourself, and the poor baby .

Nancy, I am sorry to hear your mom is slowly failing as well. My mom has already had her extra lease on life, a couple of times. I don't think we could be any more prepared for her end, but she keeps rallying back against all odds. Sooner or later, her time is going to be up. Will it be this time? She struggles with depression, as well, and this time of year is always rough on her. The majority of her medical crisis come this time of year...the last one was two years ago when she was given just months to live.

So, I guess... life goes on (until it doesn't), and we just keep plowing along. I appreciate the caring thoughts~

Cara