Thanks, Dave. Good suggestions...the stairs are good exercise and good for us, unless they aren't. They got to be a real struggle several years ago when I was first diagnosed with MS and having so much trouble w/balance, walking, picking up my legs/feet. Then, off and on, better and worse depending on my condition. I have fallen down all 14 steps a couple of times, and a few at a time many times...so, now I'm extremely careful, slow, usually one step at a time and use a cane plus railing. What's really fun is getting bottled water or diet coke or anything else up the stairs to my little fridge! Keeping stocked so I can be comfy is a challenge. I have systems when I have no help, but it can be tough. Love the cloth bags I have, for going to the beach or whatever. That's also how I do my laundry,although I have to stop trying to do that on my own. It's hard, it's dangerous for me, it causes me pain, so it's time to have someone help me. Problem: my housekeeper, while good and a dear, isn't always dependable and I can't afford her anymore than now. I'm better, it seems I'm going to be better for a while and may live longer than I thought last year!!! While that's a good thing, it concerns me that my retirement may run low or out! Can't expect any help from my son, disabled himself, so my mind is in chaos.....as Sue so beautifully described it. I think a 'stair chair', installed to sit in and ride up and down safely, costs about $4500 installed. That's more than I want to spend.....and, I'm working on reno of the condo to make it more comfy and up-date it. I have some brain work, real thinking to do, eh? I don't think I'm alone in these concerns. But, I was expecting to live no more than 4 more years! we'll see.....Again, tks for the thoughts.