The new Weight Watchers program is perhaps under the radar of the national news media (I haven't noticed it in the headlines) but it is on the minds of a lot of people in my world. Not just Mudcat, but today my hairdresser and two co-workers brought it up. And all were pleased that they can eat as many fruits and veggies with no point gain. Even for those of us who aren't part of the program, it's a good reminder that filling up on the produce is good for you. And think about it - isn't the produce section of the store so much prettier and more inviting than the meat dept?

Dorothy, welcome to our group, and you're welcome! (I grew up in West Seattle and Everett, and we had a cabin where we spent summers at the south end of Lake Whatcom for many years.) I decided that the advice I heard on an NPR talk show of "don't just read the headlines" about this Vitamin D story was worth following. That 58 minutes goes by fast, because the information is so interesting. Since last summer I've set up a routine of diet, vitamins, and supplements that I've done a good job of sticking with - partly because eczema on my hands is a sign that something isn't right, and I'd like it to go away. I may not have found the solution to that yet, but I do feel better overall.

In other matters, I have a beautiful yellow enamel on metal narrow drop-leaf table in my hall that most recently I used to have my microwave on. It is the first antique I bought when I lived in a Brooklyn unfurnished apartment. We ate a lot of meals at that table, and it's great for rolling out pie crust and lefse. My neighbor up the street asked me about it, she needs a narrow table like that in her small kitchen. "If you decide to sell it, let me know." I may just give it to her. It needs a little work, one leaf needs to have the support buttress and leg reglued and the hinge put back on - she's a handy woodworker, so no problem. That would clear out that space in my hall. She can decide if she wants to mark it as belonging to me to be brought back for when they're gone - this is an elderly couple on a fixed income and he is on dialysis three times a week. Or I can tell her to make an offer that she can afford, removing any loose ends.

I'll have to go look for that piece with the hinge.

SRS