I think you are on the right track in thinking past this contractor to a finishing carpenter, metalsmith, or other craftsperson. Even if this fellow agrees to one of your options, he doesn't want to be doing this work - he's done what he's good at, now the finishing should go to someone else who will enjoy the challenge. I too suspect that mitered trim or a metal cone would do the trick nicely. If you choose something weather sensitive perhaps it could be removable for winter, or would that be too crazy? On the upside, you will count your blessings (or a future owner will thank you) if those posts ever need to be replaced; I think the point of the brackets is as an alternative to setting the posts themselves in concrete or dirt. KarinL

We got between 1.5 and 2 inches of very welcome rain, enough that there was lots of standing water in the low-lying areas. When I got home from work the neighbor's generator was running so I knew the power had been out, but it was back on by then. I'll have to delay the rest of the garden planting another couple of days while it dries out again, but I don't mind at all! Miraje, I'm glad your sister is ok. I have a very healthy fear of lightning. One of the scariest experiences I ever had was getting caught in a lightning storm while hiking in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. We were up pretty high when it came on suddenly, and there was nowhere to go for shelter. Suzie

Good luck, Lavender! I helped my Mom move from a large house to a small apartment last year, and watching her get rid of a LOT of stuff inspired me to do the same at my house (oh, and I had to make room for some things she gave me...) A lot of what I got rid of was junk. Keeping a cage, because my boys loved their pet rats, and maybe we'll get another one some day? Nope, we can buy a new cage if that happens (fat chance). I have cabinets in the laundry room that were black holes. I emptied them completely - and found quarts of paint that were decades old. Those walls have been painted over twice since then! Cleaning out those cabinets gave me space for things I need to keep - and now there's room to find those things! I'm sure you've heard all the tricks for purging closets, like put all the hangers in backwards, then turn it around when you use it. After X months, anything still on a backwards hanger goes out the door. Anything that doesn't fit is gone. And if you get rid of an outfit that had shoes to go with it - the shoes can go too. I completely agree with Lucille - if you give things to family or friends, or donate them where you know they will be used, it's a lot easier to part with things. And getting things out of the house (like in the back seat of the car, to go to Goodwill) helps too. Boxes from liquor stores make great packing boxes - sturdy, but not too big. Have you posted in the "organizing the home" forum? There is a nice bunch of cheerleaders over there who will help you celebrate your accomplishments (and sympathize with procrastination). Ann

I just 911-funcolors! Haha, just kidding, well kinda, she is really, really good with color. Could you be talking about the colors listed on the Gallery side of this forum?