Linda G

Because we don't want to leave our cats, we haven't taken a vacation in many years. We are itching to go somewhere though, so we want to hire someone rather than boarding our furry monsters. They are extremely affectionate and demand to be petted all the time. Spoiled is an understatement. Our former pet sitters have moved on into other fields or have left the area. So we're starting interviews. Any questions to make sure to ask, or red flags to notice? Thanks!

We're having company in about a month and I want to make a big statement with major floral color. Right now we already have keys of heaven, alyssum, zinnias, calendula, Mexican sage, pineapple sage, Siberian wallflower, roses, coreopsis, dahlias, cardinal climber, sweet peas, blue salvia, geraniums, nicotiana, nasturtiums, hydrangea, cosmos, columbines, caryopteris, joe pye, sunflowers in many varieties, snapdragons, hollyhocks, carnations, scabiosa, lobelia, catnip, strawberries, hibiscus, hyssop, penstemon, and marigolds. Most of those are already in bloom here in Zone 9 or are on their way. Any I missed that can be started and bloom quickly? Thanks in advance!

I love that video, and was wondering if anyone knows where those puppets are today? Does Phil Collins own them, as he's the one who commissioned them? I read that they cost $10,000 each and wonder what they are worth these days. I remember when the video came out in the 80s. Thanks!

I already have "I Don't Care Anymore" by Phil Collins. I don't like "Don't Care" by Fallout Boy. The song doesn't have to have the exact words but the theme has to be of not caring, moving on, indifference, apathy. All genres and eras welcome; I love all kinds of music. Thanks in advance!

Here are photos:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/com/3962498770.htm...

Please view all the pictures if that helps. It's not any kind of flowering, fruiting, anything as I see it year-round all over the place and it never has anything but leaves. Certainly a reliable grower but I want to know what it is. Please help!! Ten points!

As I enter middle-age, I had the bright idea to try to contact a dear friend from early childhood that I always cared about. It was wonderful at first. But, in the short time (few months) we've reconnected, I've wondered if I should have just forgotten about her. Both she and her bf have shown disrespect, gold-digging and freeloading tendencies, repeatedly making plans then flaking, and are decades behind in maturity. Some evil is evident, as well. I feel more like a babysitter-tutor than a friend, and I don't like that. Neither does my husband. I'm ashamed that they know where I live and that they want a lot more of my time. Has this happened to anyone else?

Someone's house guest stayed for a whole week without taking a shower (even though physically able, and encouraged by the hostess), ate through an expensive box of chocolates that hadn't even been opened, and had to be forced to leave when she wouldn't leave at the agreed upon time. She is estranged from her family, and is broke, so she stayed with her only friend. Now this friend is so repulsed she doesn't want the freeloader back, in case she won't leave and stinks up the place again.

Another hearing the story blames the friend for enabling the "sociopathic behavior" for the whole week and should have kicked her out sooner. I think the behavior sounds rude, presumptuous, stinky, inconsiderate, and selfish, but sociopathic? What do you think; please explain?

We've had three cats now who wait for us to emerge from the shower, then shower us with kisses. They'll sit on the toilet lid and meow for us to come out. Then the meowing gets louder until they get kisses. Two will climb the counter and try to get to us as soon as we step out, and reach up for kisses. Of course we kiss them back. It's extremely cute; just wondering what the appeal is? Are we cleaner, and more kissable? The moisture? Do your cats do this?

I'm frustrated with my bras cutting into me from underneath my girls so I want to buy some decent longline styles that won't cause this problem. But no local stores carry my size, so I have to order them online. The last time I did that, I had to return all of them for the same reason: from the waist down, they were HUGE on me! The cups were the right size, if a bit flimsy, so I don't understand? My size in a regular bra is 42D. Has anyone worn an Elila bra -- was thinking of buyng one? Thanks!!

For the past few years, a member of a social network has friended me, but I disappeared on her once before because she got very weird and said unbearably stupid things. I didn't want to connect with someone that stupid. However, over a year went by and she persisted in tryng to make contact again, and I did. We've had some pleasant messaging but the time has come again that I can't take it anymore. She's demanding answers to intimate questions that I can't possibly get involved with, considering I believe her to be in the wrong. Her messages are emotionally draining and it sounds like most people she messages end up dumping her, after she tries to borrow money, get favors, and asking the same questions over and over. Then she'll explain away her actions by claiming drunken typing. This person does not know my name, email, phone number, etc. But I think she'd be very hurt if I stopped responding. If I explain myself, it will only invite drama, defensiveness, and excuses...I just don't want to deal with it! I have enjoyed some of our messaging but I've reached my limit. In this situation, do you just disappear, or bother explaining yourself and risk being badmouthed to all the "friends" in common? She's popular in a morbidly curious, train-wreck sort of way.

I am considering purchasing a bedding set but the online merchant only told me that it's silky soft -- not whether it's polyester, cotton, or a blend, or if it wrinkles, attracts cat hair, or snags on cat claws. They just got the item in and don't know how it wears. Does anyone have experience with such a fabric and can you tell me how it wears with pets? Thank you so much!!!

I know that the state of CA protects the right of the customer to withhold payment until satisfied with the work of a licensed contractor (general, plumber, electrician, etc.). But what I need to know is, are licensed movers considered contractors? I never hear them referred to that way, but are they, for the purpose of the customer having some recourse in case their personal property is "held hostage" on a moving truck with the mover demanding pre-payment?

Our vet says the level, 3.4, is not high enough to medicate. It has inched up past the level of 3, tested five months ago. The doc advises treating with a homeopathic or herbal or Chinese medicine and retesting in one month. Has anyone had success with PetAlive Thyro Soothe? I'm not finding many reviews for it. After reading mixed reviews about Resthyro, an herbal supplement, I have opted not to try it. I have not researched Chinese remedies yet but our vet has offered to if we want. She suggested Standard Brand thyroid support, but reviews I've read said it's pretty useless. Still, I don't know. I suppose it depends on the level of the problem. Our kitty is almost 15, has lost about 1.5 lbs in the past year, and has mild lethargy during the days with occasional bursts of crazy at night. Her coat looks duller than normal, but she still grooms. She eats a primarily raw diet (commercially prepared) with small amounts of grain-free canned added to it. Stool is normal, occasional vomit of clear liquid, and slight increase in drinking water. All her other tests are normal, but that's to be expected as hyperthyroid masks other test results. We had another kitty with hyper; he got the nuclear procedure, but his was very severe and he was only ten. He lived another seven years. We're trying to figure out the best approach for this early level of the problem. Help!!

Our laminate countertop is 20 years old. It's a good size, with an island jutting out into the middle of the kitchen. Our vinyl flooring is new and is contoured around the bottom of the cabinets. Contractors tell us that if we want to replace the countertop, we "have" to also replace the cabinets at the same time. Well, we have no interest in nor need to get new cabinets. It makes sense that we would replace the sink at the same time as the counter, but the cabinets? They are in good shape, decent looking and function well. In fact, we had all the hardware replaced and "soft close" installed on all the cabinet doors only a couple years ago. Do any contractors or homeowners have any insight? Does a new countertop mean you MUST get new cabinets for some installation reason?

Two of our cats were seen by the vet recently for dirty ears. Both were determined to not have ear infections (one of them had and was treated for an ear infection several months ago), so their ears were cleaned and all was well. That was three weeks ago. Well, now their ears are dirty again! What gives? This is not normal for them -- they always have clean ears. They are indoors only, so they're not playing in dirt. Our other cats have clean ears. We're of course taking them back to the vet, but does anyone have any experience with this? What could be going on?

Vets say 13 is the average lifespan, but that sounds lousy to me. Wildcats can live well into their 20s, but that's still unusual for a domestic cat. Does feeding raw or mostly raw, doing without unnecessary vaccinations to reduce toxins, spaying and neutering, regular dental cleanings, and keeping cats indoors extend their life expectancy? Or mostly just improve their quality of life while

they're here? I guess what I really want to know is: are their bodies designed to live much longer than most people think, but they give out sooner based on quality of care?

In reference to an actor's appearance. I've read that and want to know what it means. Thank you!

What is the best way to handle when intrusive, clueless relatives try to tell me to get a job, or that my husband should get a job? My husband and I have been entrepreneurs for many years, we're pushing age 40, and do very well for ourselves. But because we do our work from home, relatives try to tell us to get regular jobs and ask "what we do all day". It's said in a very insulting manner, but I think that they think they're "helping". It's uncalled for -- we don't ask for money, pay our own bills and employees, and own our own home. We don't tell them our income because it's none of their business, nor do we complain about money. What makes it even more weird is that no one making these remarks actually has a job themselves (all self-employed or retired).