This is the first time I have tried using an online journal. I have been reading Jimsjournal, sue18, and rhubarb for a while during free time at work, but this is my home email. I am 51, married almost 30 years,and live in DC. I have 1 daughter and 1 son. Daughter has girl 9, and recently married and lives in IL. (not ogd father thank goodness.) My son has 2 daughters 5/6 and is recently divorced. His ex has custody-they live in AZ. So now that I have decided not to lurk any longer I will tell you why my nickname is crochetlady. Not really hard to guess, I crochet, I teach crochet I read crochet book & mags, I belong to a crochet group in IL and am forming my own in DC. but I am not that one dimensional. I also read voraciously. I moved to DC from Il almost 2 years ago because dh got a better job with the same government agency. I moved from a 3 bedroom home with garage and basement to an efficiency apartment. I donated and sold most of my books & yarns. and we are renting the house. But, I have bought more books and more yarn much to the dismay of dh. (he knows my mental health depends on reading and crocheting. I am expanding into beading and knitting slowly but surely-just not enough room for everything I want to do.) I work for the same government agency as my dh, and enjoy it very much. I have some college and am thinking of actually going back full time for a degree-hubby not sure of how finances will handle so I am approaching this slowly. cost of living here is expensive-and we are sending funds to both children since job hours and pay for both have decreased thanks to the financial mess. I also write for pleasure-but not steadily. Only 24 hours a day. Need to pay attention to dh, work and sleep sometime. I welcome questions-but I will warn people that I may not get on the system daily-too much I want to do and if I am typing I am not finishing my dd afghan-1of 2 I promised her. You may hear from me. Thanks for friendships.