Thanks so much everyone! Well, they're all hanging on, but most in a less-than-optimal condition (only one actually listed as "weakened" though, and she's also elderly). The two hours was at regular speed. And they made it through that crisis, but they're simply over-populated at present and I think the ordeal won't truly be over until I get fishing--I'm about 10k away from that goal, and when they're not foraging or harvesting, nearly everyone is on research.

About the mushrooms, I had read that elsewhere. So I keep trying it, but it keeps backfiring. Almost inevitably, either the mushroom disappears while I'm gathering the children, or I drop a child on top of another, causing the first to drop hers--and I end up with *no* mushrooms instead of one.

Still, I didn't know they'd continue to appear even in pause, so I may do that if they continue to weaken faster than I can get enough research done.

Thanks so much for all the feedback!!

Heather