as far as health issues, my husband has very bad arthritis in his back and spine, that made it so awful for him to drive that distance.  He would have to take breaks every 15 mins or so.

for me, I'm fine, except I'm terrified of the traffic, which is only getting worse.  and living in Rosslyn, so close to the Metro train, and bus is perfect, and I can also walk anywhere I want.  

however, I still have dreams of having a place on the water in OP, and especially now that it is also my beloved brother's new "home."  I constantly check real estate in OP, and Bethany Beach, DE where my sister lives, but it's mostly dreaming at this point.  But recently I found a 3 bedroom furnished place, on the water, near the daughter of a friend I worked with.  I always tell my husband what I find, but so far, we continue to be stuck between a "rock of loving OP, and a hard place of also loving Rosslyn."  

anyway, thank you profusely for your wonderful offer.  I am just struck speechless now nearly every day with the kind of responses I've been getting to my posts about Tommy.  

I hope we can stay in touch, I feel like I'm making so many new friends, I don't want to let you go.  So can we leave it that we will stay in touch, sincerely.  

with all the very best, Marsha