(((((((((((((((((((((rose))))))))))))))))))))))))  bummer, kid--your owies
and time issues.  use gift bags, sweetie, instead of wrapping paper.  (the
dollar stores have tons of them, all sizes and very pretty ones.)  then, you
won't have to aggravate your rib cage as much and it goes much, much faster
and easier than wrapping.  use the wrapping paper, you already have, as
crumpled filler in the bags.  hope you feel better soon, sweetie.

kate

About a month ago when we had our first big snowfall, I was trying to
push snow off my driveway and felt something snap. I had cracked a
lower rib. Since then it has been pretty painful, but tolerable in
comparison to some of the joint  paun we experience in the day-to-day.
Now for some reason, my back has decided to join in with the pain
thingy. for this past week I have not been able to straighten, and as
a result have been hobbling around. I think it is because of wearing
boots and not having the one inch lift on the left side. I think
perhaps that caused some instability to my back. I did go to the doc
yesterday, and he vasically agreed that what I described could be the
problem. In the meantime, I have two more days of school to get
through (with a concert), and then i have to start wrapping gifts.

I slept for about 12 hours last night off and on, which does not make
me feel  better but instead took time from things i  need to do.

This is getting real old real fast (pardon the grammar).
    Rose   @}>->--
    Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to
understand it. RB

    Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Rose - isn't it good doctor's have us to help them with diagnosing.  Hope
you got through the last couple of days and the concert went well.  I second
the idea on the gift bags.  I filled the bags then stuffed the tissue on
top.  Tied up the strings with ribbon and voila. Why haven't I done that
before!!  Was much easier on my hands.

I have found some boots on the internet made by Drew that look interesting
and easy to fit.  There is a guy in a specialty shoe store here that says
that they are really easy to fit to people -and can be stretched as needed.
They could probably be added onto as well.  That might be a solution for
you - winter is not going to go away up there unfortunately.
Will try to find the url.

Have a safe and merry Christmas anyhow and please take care of yourself.

Kelly

Rose sending healing thoughts your way. I know that pain and hope it goes
away quickly. I think I broke another rib but this time in the back area
when coughing the other day. It feels the same way the first rib that got
broke did. So I do suspect it.

It is amazing how little it takes to do us in. I hope you are feeling much
better today.

By the way loved your yearly letter. Thanks for sending it to me.

((((((((((((Rose))))))))))))  I hope you can spend some time on healing
during your Christmas break.  Any chance of getting lifts in your boots so
they are kinder to your back?

too many tings are getting out of control for too many of us lately.  
Personally, I'n getting quite tired of this running as hard as I can in an
attempt to lose ground less fast.  I think we all need a 2-week luxery spa
vacation!  (together, of course!)