I agree Sue, a simple smile says a lot, your grandmother must have been one of those really special people to be able to still give a beautiful smile, even with those terrible health issues to contend with.

Brian :)

Thanks for all your suggestions. I appreciate the advice as well as the humor. Nothing like putting a smile on someones face when they are in pain. :D. I am going to have to try a few of these suggestions.

I kind of like what politicians do???
 

They grab one's armsleeves with both hands...then the 'shakee' feels compelled to put their gripped hand then the other hand on your armsleeves...thus contact, but no real contact...Maybe an 'airkiss', but no contact? Worth a try ???

And yes, the 'grip suspense' just holding onto a cup can be an adventure! I'm using commuter travel cups that sort of have some spill protection for the shakes and 'tilts'. I also use 'Duncan's Kitchen Grips' potholders for hot things when cooking or microwaving...they grip well on both sides, and do well [unless wet] at hi temps. I've had mine for 4 years and they're not deteriorating one bit..with lots of use.... They also work well for opening jars and bottles...I wish Santa could be delivering them to all of you!
Their site is: http://www.kitchengrips.com/ Not cheap, but last and best WORK! - j

Just wanted to give all you arthritis sufferers a great new gadget to open up your cans with. I got it the other day and I still marvel at what it does.

It's called The One Touch Can opener. I can't use a manual can opener any more. My hands just don't have the strength and it's too hard to go around the can. And my electric can opener is on the other side of the room, in a closet, and if I need it , I have to go there, take it out, use it, then unplug it, then wipe it down, then return it to the closet.

Well. the other day I was in CVS and saw this One Touch thing.

I bought it. Absolutely amazing. It fits in the palm of your hand. It has batteries in it. You place it on any size can, press the button and it actually walks around the can. Never got such a kick out of anything in my whole life. Been using it ever since. It fits in the kitchen drawer. Wipes clean in a flash.

I also got the New Reynolds Handii-Vac Vacuum system for $8.99. I place all my turkey burgers, chicken and fish, and press down on the bag and it sucks all the air out. Then you pop into the freezer. No more freezer burn.

Just call me the gadget queen. I've got them all!!!

mel