Australis13

She ... told me that that it wasn’t my fault. But I know deep down, it is.

Your sister is right. It's not your fault. You're not responsible for the actions of your parents; it was their job to make sure both you and your sister got the attention and support you needed growing up.

I did not experience this imbalance to anywhere near the same degree as you growing up. I certainly felt the pressure to achieve academically as I was the academically-inclined one of the family and my siblings would sometimes compare themselves to me in this regard, even though our parents weren't pushing us into any particular course of study or career. But most of the friction between myself and one of my siblings was more due to my inadequate social skills during my teens. These days I get along well with my siblings and all of us have different careers and qualifications.

Christmas Eve? Easy. Christmas Day? Hard.

Smart and/or determined to get into that container. You'll need to up your game.

Also check out Neurodivergent Insights (Dr. Neff) -- https://neurodivergentinsights.com/ -- and the related podcast "Divergent Conversations".

Thank you for investing the time and energy to give Paxton a new lease on life. It's heartwarming to hear.

I'm glad it went well. The post-op bleeding is pretty normal and once you can start on the nasal rinses tomorrow it will really help. The first couple of days are the most uncomfortable, but it'll soon be over.

Only some... Keep your cats and lilies separate!

(True lilies aka Liliums are fatal to cats and cause renal failure. Really nasty way to die.)

We question our politicians (here in Australia) often enough on this sort of thing in election years that some (not all) actually pay enough attention to cost-of-living stuff to be in the right ballpark.

Based on those eyes, one of those ornaments is about to die...

“Americans must learn to adjust to a lower standard of living,” he told the crowd before suggesting a specific solution to prices hiked by his tariffs, which he continues to insist are a success. “You can give up certain products. You can give up pencils…You don’t need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice.”

Interesting that the first thing he suggests is related to literacy. Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't think writing is important.

One of mine would have a field day with that tree. He'd probably go right up some of the branches.

Good luck!

My recommendation is to cover the top of the trap with an old towel or blanket and leave it open (at both ends) with the bait food in it for a few days so Bread gets used to going into it for the food. Then close the trigger end and move the food towards the trigger. Once he's comfortable going right into the trap for the food, you can arm it.

Keep in mind that you probably only get one shot at this - if he gets out of the trap, he's probably never going to go near one again. I lost a couple of strays that way before I realise that the trap I was using had a hidden flaw (a strong male cat could push against the spring-loaded end enough to bow the bottom of it and squeeze out). I've since reinforced it to prevent that issue.