[wtm442]

1. Push the TALK button. Do you get a dial tone?
2. No. The suddenness could be in the eyes of a person in the story. The reader on the other hand, may have seen the "thing" coming for a long time.

Ms K - everyone on CC is glad that everyone is OK.

Strained or broken ribs ... do not cough or laugh, and I said it before, God Forbid ... do not sneeze.

If it hurts, don't do it. If it hurts in bed, sleep in a chair. I did that for 3 weeks. A tight wrap or small vest will help if you have pain during normal breathing (at max intake). I found that getting in and out of my daily driver was a real problem. Had to sit in the chair and then lift both legs at the same time and swing them in the car.

The house in the picture is right on the Atlantic Ocean. The picture really does not do it justice. You have to blow it up to see all the detail on the house. Its like a gingerbread house.

Well, my baby back ribs with corn on the cob and carrots is almost done. Ummmm ... smells goooooooood.