K9Fran

I was adopted (as was my sister) we were regularly beaten for mis demeanors for the kind of silly mistakes kids make - like me being put in charge of my sister who is 2 years younger than my, but very strong willed, and I was punished for 'allowing' her to fall in an iced over frozen flooded field. We were regularly beaten with pea canes for poor table manners. I think the last time my Dad raised his hand to me I was about 15. My sister claims it hasn't affected her, but she used the same physical punishment on her kids. I think I can count the number of times I've smacked mine on the fingers of one hand (but believe me, they push my buttons some days). I was considered 'odd' because I didn't want to speak at my Dad's funeral - everyone remembered him as a 'true gentleman' - but they didn't know him at home........... The funny thing is he actually was a very loving man, and this sort of behaviour was very out of character, but it was 'spare the rod and spoil the child' - his other motto was 'treat your animals like children and your children like animals' - needless to say, I never saw him beat any of our dogs, the worst he would do was jerk a choke chain......

I was a wreck the whole way through, when Mariah Carey couldn't look down at the coffin I started, and then started again when Jermaine (?) sang 'Smile', and little Paris finished me off - even my OH who doesn't 'do' emotions said he was wrecked. I thought little 'whatsisname' from X Factor was awesome.

Well I hope that's good news. What an early Christmas present that will be!

Thinking of you. I had a miscarriage between #2 and 3. I felt my body had suddently stopped doing what it had done so well with #1 and 2. But OH pointed out that nature hates waste - the cells that had aborted were never going to be a viable baby, so my body was actually working properly. Hope you get some definate answers and can then plan your next move soon.

I had cats and dogs when my oldest was born - as above - don't let the cat sleep where the baby sleeps, even if baby isnt' there. Cat's are normally too spooked by the way a baby squeaks and waves arms and legs about to hang around. To be honest, nets might even be more of a problem than a solution, as they are a barrier between cat and baby.

Thinking positive thoughts for you both.

How sad, thank heavens you were there. Hope the dog makes a full and speedy recovery.

Having arranged to move from current rented house to one owned by a work colleague this weekend - #1 son has been told it's no longer available (the owners bf has kicked her out of his house and she needs it back:( ) No contract has been signed (they were going to do that the day they moved! They can at least stay where they are as the old landlord hasn't got anyone coming in (thank goodness!) but they would really like to move as their neighbours are driving them nuts. They are looking for a good sized 2 bed (ideally with garage) or a 3 bed, with garden (for bunnies) and would be nice to have permission to have dog or cat at some time in the future. They currently have gerbils etc. a small parrot and 2 fish tanks.

Sorry to hear this, will be thinking of you and wishing Katie a quick and stress free journey.

Biggin Hill airshow Kent

I've asked friends and family, and I don't think the same song has appeared twice - which has got to say something about his music and the width of it's appeal. So - what's your favourite MJ song? Mine has to be Ben (closely followed by Earth Song and Gone too soon........)

groan - but doG they're good

I thinkn you are very brave Cheryl.

I don't know what breed she is, or what her name is, but she's one of 2 very similar owned by my oldest son's fiance's parents. This is a little Bantam - she's about the size of a large pidgeon, so she's called Pidge!

Compromises were made, lines were drawn, but they were crossed - big time!

So sad. Thinking good thoughts.

The problem is that sometimes what makes one person happy hurts another person, and then that is not right

Run Free with Nellie Dillon. Thinking of all those who loved him. May their memories bring some happiness at this sad time.

And they say it's hard being a mother to daughters. Our lads can break our hearts too can't they? I think all you can do is tell him your feelings, and make sure you're around to comfort him when the inevitable happens. My oldest was in a similar relationship - eventually the girl accused her ex of raping her. I supported her and helped her tell her mother - then it turned out the accusation was false.......... The relationship she had with my son broke down soon afterwards. He sounds a sensible lad, and I'm sure he'll realise what's happeneing soon.

Thanks for all the messages of support and listening ears, I think I've got it sorted now. When you look at the freedom we women have to wear what we want, I do think men have a rough time of it sometimes.

I've just been looking at pics of what your adult birds will look like Cheryl - They all look so exotic, I wish I could keep chickens again,

I think photos are essential for ID purposes

I think the figure is 1 in 10 men do it to some degree.

Inbox emptied ;)