I haven’t been around much because:
I have been a slave to my garden.
I have been battling weeds in my garden and losing.
I have been actively trying to “get a life” and have found it.
I have been enjoying time with my children
I have been actively trying to eat better and failing
I have thought I was pregnant again, but am not.
I have been actively cursing SDMB because it is so slow and I don’t have alot of time to wallow here like I do in the winter.
anyone miss me?
i noticed you weren’t about much. i wondered how things were going with you and yours.
so how does your garden grow?
Good to see ya, Shirley! Good to hear you’re doing alright, too.
It’s just a board - you can come and go. You’re always welcome to drop in, of course.
(Would you believe this: the Cheers theme song is playing on my MP3 player right now 
)
“Where everybody knows your name…”
Actually, I have noticed your absence and have hoped that everything is ok with you and your family. I’ve wondered from time to time how your brother is doing and how your mom is holding up, since we haven’t heard any updates since the end of April (or if we have, I’ve somehow missed it). I sure hope all is well and that he’s improved and out of the hospital. I’m glad to hear you’ve been out enjoying life! Welcome back!
Jeg elsker dig, Thomas
Were yer ears burning? While we were walking around art fair in Ann Arbor, Brynda and I were talking about you and having met you at last year’s Flint Dopefest.
So yeah, you’ve been missed. 
Well, I sure as hell missed you. The rest of these numbnuts couldn’t remember your name, but I set 'em straight.
So, are you hanging around or just stopping by?
Hey, it’s nice to know some people have noticed my absence…
My brother was released from the hospital earlier this month after having his trach and stomach tube taken out. he is back at the same group home that he was in, but in a room with three other people, so there is a) no room and b) no privacy c) no place for his computer. He is doing his physical therapy, which is all he has to do and can walk a few feet assisted. Other than massive amounts of severe depression, he is fine.
Thanks for thinking about him and us.
I went garage saling today with my mom and delighted and shocked her with my prowess of $. I bought what looks like an art deco-ish vase in silver or silver plated for $5. I bought it after she told me what it was…*because I had to have it *…an old time feminine urinal. It’s probably 60 years old. It was originally offered at $10.
As I speak , it how contains flowers from my garden. ( The thing, I was assured by the former owner, was never used for anything that it was originally intended for, it was an accent peice in a crowded display case and since it has made a way into my home, has had a ride a few of us can only dream about by going through the wash, rinse pot scrubbing cycle on the dishwasher ( along with the dog bowl for mutual flavoring of the respective objects)
Mom is totally shocked, but offered me (jokingly)a bedpan of indiscriminate age that hasn’t been used in at least 35 years ( so, according to her, it is safe from the AIDS virus ) , to use as an accessory. When I joked that I would use it as a front door accent peice thing and stuff it full of posey’s (changing the theme with the seasons - candy for halloween, Xmas lights, hearts and flowers for Valentines day, eggs for easter,etc) she was promptly mortified and rescinded the offer. And they say there is no Native American in us.
It’s not as if anyone can see what it is from the street… heeeey, now…I know, I can use it as an accessory for the mailbox on our quaint rural route. Heh.
*“Please put all flyers and bulk rate mail here.” *
so, that is the MPSIMS.
Thank you for reading this.
Carry on.
I was happy to see this thread, Shirley, as I had been wondering what was up with you, your brother, and your mom. And as Cranky said, she and I were talking about you just last weekend. So, yes, woman, of course you were missed. Glad to hear that things are a bit better for you guys.
Your story reminds me of the time I bought a cool enameled stock pot at an auction. It wasn’t until I had the thing in my hands that I saw the “sanitary ware” sticker. Oh, well, at least the sticker still stuck on the inside was an indication it had not been used for its intended purpose.