Thank you, @Bettyboop55 . I think somewhere along the line I decided to avoid having any expectations of a new Sims game that I will love as much as the previous versions. If a new and amazing Sims title were to be developed in years to come, then I will be pleasantly surprised and gratified. If not, I know I’ll always have the older games and won’t feel disappointed, having "lost" nothing.
I agree about there always being room for improvement. At times, I find myself wishing that TS3 had height-adjustable windows, a build/buy search feature, a more user-friendly CAW/neighborhood tool, etc. But then I look at my builds—with all their use of CASt, the color wheel, CFE, pond tools—and feel anything requiring the sacrifice of these isn’t worth it. Like you said; no contest. I may not have gotten everything I would’ve wanted in TS3, but I feel fortunate to have many things I value highly. I can be content with that, and will continue to use CC, mods and other workarounds to improve my experience.
And thanks once again for your well wishes. Although my husband is permanently disabled due to his spinal cord injury (incomplete tetraplegia), he had the best possible rehabilitative care and worked hard to recover as much motor function as he could. He has improved significantly, and despite wishing he could have recovered more than he has, we are very grateful for the abilities he has regained. And I am able to find time for Sims on occasion, which helps me cope with the more difficult periods.
And thank you as well, @JoAnne65. It was extremely stressful, and still is at times. But his health is more stable now than it was when he was initially paralyzed, and in time we’ve learned to manage all the things. And I agree with a great deal of what you’ve posted regarding TS3 also. It's still an awesome game.
