I have been out of the loop for quite some time....fighting the consumer wars with Amana, Best Buy, HSBC bank and so on....Work has gotten even nuttier, and I think that the Christmas crazies started sometime in August. School is back in session, and I think I have sent my daughter to Auschwitz instead of 3rd grade. For the first time in either of my children's existence, my child doesn't like school and doesn't like going to school...that is a bit of a concern. We have also embarked on the world of speed skating with my daughter-an activity that doesn't require her to be tall, so she is going after it with a vengence. Still sifting and sorting through my mother's avalanche of paperwork, bills, and statements regarding her illness...(don't even get me started on the state of the medical profession in America) and trying to keep abreast of the political hijinx as we approach another national election. Haven't been intentionally neglecting anyone, so please don't feel offended....I really do want to catch up on everyone's news, just not sure how long it will take.