It is not as cold as it was yesterday here-when I got up this morning it was minus4 degrees! The sun did come out and the walks and streets are very messy-mix of slushy snow and sand! I cleaned some and took laundry to our laundry roon(have to go outside to the laundry area here) so tracking sandy stuff in and out-a mess! I have just about had it with winter and it has just started! I once loved snow andcold-but i am old and cranky now and do not like it at all. Laundry done but now I need to vacuum again where it tracked in on wheels of cart and my boots! My sister (younger) is in hospital and besides the bronchial pneumonia they have found she has a viral infection in the lining of the sack around her heart--she had terrible chest pain and discomfort. I just came from her house, took in her mail, straightened up for her (the ambulance took her out early yesterday morning) so her computer and stuff were on and her mailbox was full. Lots of sickness around-seems like I hear a lot of people passing out or fainting in stores. Wonder if ventilation problems or illness-have never heard about so many passing out. I may consider going to visit my youngest son and family in Texas next winter---this cold weather is not for me anymore!!! Sully is so lucky to be in S.California and have fruit trees and green stuff around all year! I have never seen an avacado tree in my life and I love avacado's-can't imagine picking them fresh and eating-must be the best! I know the citrus fruit I get from cousins in AZ. every February off the trees in their yard is unlike anything we can buy here, so fresh, juicy and wonderful citrus smell! Guess I need to get the sand off the floor and put the laudry away!! Have a great weekend!! Helen in snow, ice and messy New England