Wow, didn't realize it had been so long since I wrote in my journal!  So, to bring it up to date...the biggest 'happening' around here is that Obama is going to make an appearance in this area, and get this......it's pretty much an invitation-only event for those affected by NAFTA, since this area has been hit hard by the manufacturing of goods going overseas! Guess the rest of us will hear about it in the funny papers! For that subject, I'd better stop right there! Skipping on to something else....my brother, the bbq nerd, had his 52nd birthday last week! He had no big plans for the day, so I called to wish him a happy birthday, and he was enjoying an afternoon nap! He wasn't alert at all, and something tells me that he won't remember that I called! His 'sleeptalking' is an ongoing joke, and has been for years. Maybe I should call him again....at the same time....and try to mess up another nap!And moving on to another subject....I'm back to the couch, floor, and bed again due to a surprise event last week. The refrigerator decided to quit working, and had to be emptied. Was able to save most of the contents, since I have a freezer, and a couple of coolers. Called a guy to come check it out, and he was able to repair it....a relay to the compressor had been zapped by lightening! And the kitchen light was fried, too. He said if the relay didn't fix the refridge, trash it and get another one, cos that meant the compressor was fried. So far, it's working okay since the repair, and I feel very fortunate about that. The bad part was moving everything out of it and cleaning up the mess from the thawing of the icemaker! Didn't realize a little container of ice could make such a mess! Everything is squared away now, except the 'back' that cleaned up the mess. Had to call a couple of friends in to help, cos my back just gave out, and still isn't being the most cooperative. It usually won't hold me up but a couple of hours or so, and it gave out completely, and is still recovering.......wonder what would happen if I got a new relay put in my spine? hmmmmmmmmm.....