In February I was in hospital after a respiratory failure, for almost two weeks. My husband had contracted pneumonia and was too ill to bring my crocheting, knitting or drawing supplies in. Hence I was stuck doing absolutely nothing! Seriously I was bored out of my mind.

I even found myself reading a common romance novel. Anyone who knows me well would be falling off his or her chair right now. (I'm afraid I'm a literature snob.) But those are the books that were readily available at the place and time. And reading is something you can do that doesn't impact arthritis or COPD or practically anything else. Even if you can't read well visually, there are audio books available in pretty much every library, and most libraries now have home services for - well - people like us. Glasslady, have you looked in to something like that? I hate to think of you sitting around going bonkers with nothing to do.

Katherine, perhaps knitting or crocheting is something you could give another try now that you're a bit older. My first lesson in knitting was when I was 6 and that really was just too young. My fine motor skills were simply not developed enough to pull it off. Eight years later, though, I was plenty dexterous enough for it. I picked up a pair of needles, made myself a toque and have never looked back. Again, the point is to find something and do it.

A good tip is if you're having a pain day and can only do one or two rows at a time, then do your one or two rows and leave it for a while. This one was REALLY hard for me. Not long ago I was able to do and entire sleeve (adult sized) in an evening and within a few weeks I had a nice new sweater. Well I hoped it would be nice, although some times... Now, though I am slowly learning to do small bits to save my fingers and wrists. I resent it like crazy, but I am learning.

Well, I have to get ready for respiratory rehab. My clothes aren't going to put themselves on, LOL. Take good care and be sure to tell those you love that you love them,