Blixa

My friend is in her early forties. She's a kind, loving, beautiful former ballerina and mother of two. She was diagnosed with breast cancer recently, and had to have both breasts removed last week. She is nervous, as her docs have said they won't be sure for a year if they got all the cancer. She is not vain, but understandably when one's life has been so committed to ballet, fitness and "perfection," it is especially devastating to lose her breasts.

Instead of just sending flowers or a card, I am making her a mix CD of uplifting songs from the 70s-90s. I am only one person, so I'm asking you all if you can think of any unique and mellow songs that emphasize strength, beauty, endurance and peace. She's not religious, but is very spirituaI.

I've already selected: Ooh Child, Angel, Tiny Dancer, Lovely Day, Solitude Standing, Candlelight, Smile, Full Of Grace, If You Want To Sing Out, Life Is The Red Wagon, Calling All Angels, Thousand Year Prayer.

Thanks, all! :)

My 6 y/o indoor neutered male Maine Coon has persistent/severe ear mites. There is often an odor of chorine (??) and I know that the infestation makes him uncomfortable. I have tried olive oil & vit. E, warm water w/ peroxide. I always dry the ears too. The mites and "crust" always return. His ears will improve for awhile, then they "gunk up" again. I know I could manage to clean his ears if he would let me, but he pulls away, and sometimes even cries or hisses ;(. I am wondering about the safety and efficacy of "professional" ear cleaning. As much as I worry about him undergoing sedation/anesthesia, it seems like that may be the only way ANYONE is going to really "get in there" to clear out that pesky residue once and for all! I am interested in what other "cat folks" have to say about methods they've found effective. I am hoping to hear that it is safe to have a vet clean the ears for me, but I want multiple sources/references before I make the next move. Thanks! :) ^..^