Unfortunately most of the notifications I get for the forum are now spam. One doesn't know it's spam until you start reading, and it's hard to not let something bother you when it's such a constant. For the most part I've been ignoring the notifications and not visiting as often as I used to, which saddens me. I don't post much myself, but I used to like visiting to see what others are up to, if Marina has posted something or the latest news on what she's doing.

I'm so sorry to hear this, but hope your Uncle is improving! I'm glad there was a diagnosis and a treatment. Hoping he's able to make it home soon - you and yours are in my prayers for a wonderful Christmas.

While I know they love me as much as I love them, I've always thought my cats called me 'stupid human'. And sometimes I agree with them.🙄

I've watched it twice so far. I know I'm a tad biased, but Marina, you stole the show!

I looked it up some years back, and things might have changed, but the celebrity has to agree to the nomination, then things considered are professional achievement, contributions to the community and the guarantee that the celebrity will attend the dedication ceremony if selected. At the time I read about it, it cost $50,000 if the celebrity was approved. This is to install the star and maintain it.

Excellent! Looking forward to it!!

I'm so sorry for your loss Val, but yes, you definitely made the right decision. The house will feel empty, but she will remain alive in your heart.❤️

One of our neighbours kids went off to University years ago to get into child care (I think). While on her way to a class, she passed by a lecture that intrigued her. She wound up changing her major and became a translator. Seeing as your daughter loves English as a second language, would a job like this be of interest to her?

Annie became an immediate favourite of mine when she was in 24. I loved her in Timeless & was just tickled when it was announced she was the Borg Queen. I'm so sad for her family and the only thing I can think of is that her bright light must have been needed more elsewhere. RIP Annie.

When I was in high school (many years ago) we were offered both aptitude and interest tests.. The test results pointed two of my friends to their career jobs that they hadn't previously thought of. Might be something to look into if these type of tests are available. I would look at what her interests are now, including hobbies, and see if what kind of jobs could be connected to them. Also look over what part time or temp jobs might be avail in your area that she could try to see if she likes them. If nothing else she can gain transferable skills which she can add to her resume.

Sorry to hear this Val. Letting go is so hard - I hope Megan improves so that you don't have to. One day at a time.

Agreed! I don't post a whole lot but I do check in to catch up.

I used to love checking in, seeing what Marina posted and catching up with the regular followers. Sadly it's not the same anymore.

My worst was probably a cat toy that righted itself after being knocked over. My boy looked at me suspiciously when I set it down. I smacked it to show him how it worked. When it bounced back up the size of his eyes took over his face and he left the room faster than the speed of light. He didn't surface til the next day. My useless talent - well nearly everything I do seems to be an eighth of an inch out. I can measure twice and be 1/8 out. I'll buy things to put in a gift basket, and be 1/8 out. I'm even 1/8 short of 5ft tall. It's an on-going joke in my life.

My best to all who celebrate!

Probably the Wicked Lady or Death Wish 3, I'm not sure what order. I know it's not a movie/tv series, but I may have seen the Cinzano ad first,

My Christmas traditions have changed over the years - I grew up with British/Canadian parents, but for the most part we celebrated in the North Armerican style - turkey dinner with all the trimmings, with dessert being a rice pudding because no one liked plum pudding. The only baking Mom did every year was mince tarts. The tree went up on Dec 21st, and was down on Jan 3rd. Decades later, my traditions are house lights and decorations are up on the first weekend of Dec, with the house being decorated a bit at a time over the next few weeks. The small fibre optic tree is put on its shelf around the 20th. We switched to a tree that goes on a shelf because of the numerous cats eyeing things up. We used to put up a small Christmas village as well (the cats used to 'log' the trees and we'd find them all over the place), but in recent years we've just been too busy. I make my mom's mince tarts on Christmas Eve, then wrap presents while watching Christmas movies and sipping mulled wine. Pet stockings go up on the fireplace. Over the years as the pets have passed, each one has been moved to a spot on the entertainment unit. In the evening I attempt to roast chestnuts on open fire (well, it's a fireplace insert, but it's still a fire). I'm seldom overly successful, but that's the challenge. If we're lucky, we'll spot a few deer of the deer who tend to walk through our back yard to the road. I live in a small city, but we still have small forests in the neighbourhood and it's wonderful to see the deer outside, especially on Christmas Eve. First thing in the morning, or whatever time we're up, gifts are given to the critters. Usually catnip toys for the cats and bones for the dogs, or some other special treat. Human gifts were opened after dinner, which used to be the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Last year we switched to Butterball's 'turkey in a box' which is a lot less work. A little bit of turkey is set aside as a treat for the critters. When I wasn't working at a nonprofit, I used to make gifts for all my friends - things like bath salts, milk bath, a wassail mix and chocolate spoons that I decorated with snowmen, Christmas trees and snowflakes. I'd deliver them on Solstice. That was fun, but took a lot of time, which I no longer seem to have.

Thanks Astrid - just to let everyone know, the show is 1hr 45, and Astrid is in the part that starts at 11 our time.

Merry Christmas to you too Attila!

Sorry - this was meant for Imzadi-Jess