Mr. S, Spinswebs, Echidna, etc. - you all are AWESOME! I wish I could add words of wisdom....or....I could add my own whining about my mom (please, check out the "Adult Trikes" thread in Gear Accessories). She is one of the most critical people I have ever known and I have gone through just about all of what NoNo has many times over - without a drop of Italian blood! I have to try to ignore the negative (I am either too thin or too fat - the latter more than the former - or I would look so much better with my hair this way, or with makeup, etc. etc. etc....) and celebrate the positive (she wants to get back on a bike at the age of 85!)...

It is not easy, NoNo, and I can't give you any advice except to endure. I have a LOT of baggage I carry every day - but I try to keep it in balance and remember that there are an awful lot of 54 year old women who do not have a reasonably healthy, active mother any more....or maybe they never did....

Gosh I hope this makes sense. I started and couldn't stop. (did I mention baggage??) My apologies - but if nothing else, take this away from my post (and those of many others before me) - you are not alone, NoNo, and this is the best place to hang out because everyone here is supportive and has a universe full of wisdom!