Just wanted to thank everyone who responded with a real answer. The daughter decided not to try it, reports were no bad weather across Penns. and Ohio but road reports said ice in some areas and significant other had to work on Tuesday so she would have been alone. I'm glad she won't be on the roads but sad she will not be with us at Christmas for the first time ever!

Second wammie today - my two border collies disappeared yesterday and have not come home yet. Really afraid they are done for since it was SO COLD here in Michigan last night. My only hope is that some kind hearted person took them in last night and will let me know or call the vet or the dog pound tomorrow. I know, my dogs shouldn't be running free and normally they don't, I only left them unattended 1/2 hour and they skipped out.

2000 has been a awful year for us . . . hope 2001 is better. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the special people here.

-- Betsy K (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), December 22, 2000

Answers

Oh Betsy!!! that is so hard. My prayers will be with you. this has not been our best year either. We had to put our old dog down in August and I am still missing her bad. No kids for Christmas this year, too far to travel. Let us know when you find your dogs. Those border collies can hole up in the cold, especially being together.... Diane in michigan

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 22, 2000.

Make plans for a visit over Easter.It is a much better time to travel, normally.We no longer travel in winter to avoid risking life & limb.

I have not traveled back home for the holidays,for almost 10 years now.I have to admit,I cried my eyes out with the first one I missed.But,now,we have pretty stress free and content and grateful times at our own home.So it should be ok in the long run.

But do make a call and talk or email,and don't worry about what it costs either.Both my folks and I used to not talk too long to keep the cost down.Part of the frugallity I was raised with.Now,I talk as long as I want. It's a small price to pay for keeping in touch.

Another post had on abt a webcam for seeing someone over the computer.Would this be a possibility?

Finally,get together when you can.

I sure do hope your dogs come home,too.Dog lover talking.

-- sharon wt (wildflower@ekyol.com), December 22, 2000.

So Sorry Betsy, God allows alot in our lives we don't understand or like sometimes, doesn't He? My prayers are with you and yours over the holidays. Your pups will come bounding home just when you need them most. And Sharon, your posts are always so uplifting and compassionate. Thankyou and keep it up. God Bless. Q.

-- queen (queenbuffness@hotmail.com), December 23, 2000.

Oh Betsy, Oh Betsy. So sorry about the dogs leaving you. I have 6 Border Collies and 1 pup so I know you must be crying. I will pray they come home.

My son called me on his cell phone from Louisville this evening and said he was on his way to KANSAS, oh my, to see his grandparents for the Holidays (not my parents) I didn't even realize he was going. I'm going to be a grandma again in April, a girl! I know she will be like me and be in love with the country. I only had one boy, he's 24. Pray the roads are ok for them and all our loved ones traveling this Holiday Season.

Let us know about the pups, ok Betsy.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), December 23, 2000.