Rhodiola: A powerful adaptogen
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Thanks for the info Lola.  Sounds like it's great for Type Os, no wonder the Russians are so good at sports too.  

Golfzilla - that's really interesting about hot drinks turning off the hunger pangs.   I've returned to fighting weight the last year drinking frequent herbal teas and green teas, even in the heat, soothes the throat.  Interesting.  
Cheers, better make another cuppa    Green tea time.  Read something yesterday about "Green tea may help prevent autoimmune diseases" - https://my.mcg.edu/portal/page.....utoimmune%20diseases

Lori - tips I have about step families but I don't want to get preachy, this is IMHO.  You have your rules for your house and the other mother has rules for hers.  They don't have to be the same, but the kids have to know them and follow them when they are in your house.  You can try to influence by example but it may be difficult to change anyone and what they do.
It is advisable for the disciplining to be kept to their birth parents though as they aren't likely to take disciplining from you unless you are very close.  One stepmother of mine took over disciplining me and I learnt so much from her.  Having two mothers could teach them so much.  Best of luck with it all.

Thanks Lola!

Symbi, thank you for your comments and they are not preachy.  I asked and needed to hear them.  I try to do as you say, I leave the discipline really to the hubby but I do have boundries and rules in the house and I try to make them fair and clear and limited.  It is hard as there was a lot of "stuff" going on before I came along.  I sort of didn't really see it until after I got married...sigh.  Luckily the kids don't really see me as the issue but it is hard for all of us.  We are working on it and getting some help.  I hope one day they say I was a good thing in their life and not a bad.

Golf...good idea...I'll add that to my list of tricks!  You are so sweet.