Just wanted to post a note to about writing comments on stories that we all read.  I first want to say thank you to everyone that responds back to the comments - and that is everyone I comment on.  I can only imagine the time it takes, but I really appreciate it. The second thing is just to encourage anyone who reads the stories, to comment, even if it is short, to let the authors know what you thought and that they are being read. I see alot of the same people commenting on the stories - which is great - but I wonder how many others read them and don't comment. My opinion of course, but the authors have put a lot of time and effort into their work, and if we as readers have time to read them, we should comment on them. 
Definitely not trying to come down on anyone, but I just truly appreciate the time and effort of not only writing the stories, but how the writers comment back on my comments, and I just want to say 'thank you'.
Mandi

This past weekend was fun, but so tiring.  Who would think that sitting and watching hockey would tire you out. My two nephews were in an inline hockey tournament this weekend, and I got to spend it taking them back and forth and watching their games. It was my sister-in-law's, their mom, 50th birthday, so i kept them this weekend while she and my brother went skiing. Don't get me wrong, I loved it and spending time with them - 15 and 12 years old - but geesh I am tired today - the parents got back late last night due to ski traffic - and just trying to ge through. My 12 y/o nephew's team didn't make the playoffs, but the older one did - he was on two teams -  and they lost in the final. I think I was more disappointed than he was. He looked at the positives, instead of losing and was happy with the tournament overall.  Wow! his parents have done a great job with both of them. Yes, I am the adoring aunt, but they make it very easy.