Oh Richard, that's why we have friends - they are the "elective family" rather than the one you were born into.

Take a few deep breaths, stop over to Thurdsays and have a huge slushie and chill for a while.

When your blood pressure has settled back down, is there a way you could make a typed list of specifics like phone calls, rides, whatever, that the others could assist with that don't cost money, and circulate it to everyone? Just so they can not say you're all about the money, and never gave them a chance to help out with "the little things ..."

And if they all still blow you off, ask Eddie for help? At least he can provide distractions like the reappearance of Lake Edward around 2 a.m. ...