Thank you everyone (and Vermontcat I would LOVE a little snow ).

My fever is down a little and I feel a bit better today but this stuff has now turned into the worst sore throat I have had in my life. Worse than any bout of strep throat I've ever had. I couldn't sleep last night because every time I would swallow I would wake up in pain and crying. I believe whatever I have has taken a different path than what Richard had. I may be calling the dr. tomorrow.

My other brother who will be staying with me called last night to basically forbid me from going to Dad's because he said they can take care of everything there when he arrives including getting the caretaker's Christmas gift to her, Dad's gift to his sister at the nursing home, putting up the tree and my part of Christmas dinner if I'm still sick. Richard is going to cook and bake what I was going to take to his family dinner on Christmas Eve so it looks like I'm covered. Now I just need to feel good enough to give my house the once over tomorrow and I'm golden.

Also, the cats must have read my stress because there was NO pee or poop this morning and everyone is behaving better. I think that is due to the fact that sun is out for the first time in about 10 days.

Thank you all for the shoulders, support and offers to help.