This one took an entire week to finish in XaraXtreme. I had created a background for it but I like it best with this simple one. *** Friday was Brian's and my 26th wedding anniversary. Still amazed that he still loves me so much. No one else but my mother does :) I wanted to do something completely different for our dinner and decided to try sushi and sake for the first time. Victoria, next door, and Mai (from china) both said I would love it. Let me tell you right now that I will never, ever eat sushi again. After 4 pieces I felt nauseous to my stomach just looking at it. Now, I knew that I might not like it but I thought that you could get sushi without raw fish (which is sashimi). All my sushi was raw except for the cooked eel (gag...yes, I tried it) and the crab filling in the caterpillar roll. I love wakami seaweed so I thought I'd like the Nori in the caterpillar rolls but it was so fishy tasting (gag again). I suppose it doesn't help that I'm food sensitive to tuna and iodine and not suppose to eat any fish at all (because I was never tested for any others). And the wasabi...eek. Just the tiniest bit was enough to set your mouth on fire. And the pickled ginger...argh! I put an entire piece in my mouth and tried my darndest to chew and swallow it. I had to remove it to my plate. The sake was excellent but we got Kome Kome (think that was what it was called). Much like a Riesling. I expected sake to be like a whiskey. I make miso soup at home so I thought I'd like their miso soup. Ummm...not. It tasted fishy. What with all the fish??? But this is how I am. I want to try different things before I leave this Earth. I had escargo a few years back, even though the thought of eating a crawling, sandy, mucus membrane turns me off. It was good but I won't ever have it again. I still need to try an oyster someday....maybe, lol. *** I want to say thank you to all the wonderful friends I have here that I feel so fondly of. You've made me feel like a part of this community and always made me feel welcomed. Thank you. I am working many more hours this summer. I will not be here very much...less than I already am. I will not have the time to view people's work or comment. You can remove me from your favorite list...I understand. I just want everyone to know that I did and do appreciate everyone of you that has touched my life. Group hug! Nancy