Dennis, I quite agree that we can tactfully tell people the truth and still be positive about our future. I decided some time ago not to just say, "I'm fine." I tell the cold truth. If I am having a PD day I tell my friends and anyone who asks, I am having a PD day. If they know about PD they are sympathetic and still remain my friends. If they do not know about PD, they usually ask what that means. This gives me the opportunity to tell someone else about PD, good and bad, up and down, and generally they react well. "don't forget how to laugh, and do it often" [log in to unmask] http://members.tripod.com/~marling