Yes, I survived. I have been trying to download pics and my internet connection is not cooperating. (OT-does it make a difference in speed when you have several people using the same wireless connection at the same time? DS21 is home from college this week and the internet has been running frustratingly slow since he has been online too.) Anyhoo, I served 19 ladies and everyone loved the tables. The dining room table didn't change from the last pic I posted. The folding table in the LR had the vase filled w/ black-eyed susan's and then I had 2 small votive candle holders made of black metal and shaped in kind of a "S" curve on each side of the centerpiece. The kitchen table had the milk glass bowl that was shown in the first pic filled w/ hedge apples. (Luvs-real veges would have looked great, but time constraints made me use what I already had. I'll definitely keep it in mind for next time!) I also had votives w/ bright green candles and small milk glass dishes w/ nuts and chocolate. While the tables were all kept pretty simple by some standards, they suited the occasion and I was very pleased. Everyone enjoyed hearing about how we collected the hedge balls! I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and help. I will continue to try and post final pics. (DS21 is only home for 2 weeks this summer!) Thanks again! mommacass

"Small alarm bell: he works in D.C. (he says) I live in Northern VA suburbs (huge) and his cell phone has a Maryland area code." I wouldn't freak about that. DH's cell doesn't match our area code either, plus we have bought from CL hours away. If you are worried, do what I do. Call mom. I ~know~ it is rude, but if I am nervous about a situation like that I will have her ON the phone, actively talking to her. Yes Mom, the guy is here fixing it now. Oh? You need yours done too? Well this guy's name is... Bob. You know what? He kind of looks like Walter! I'll let you know if he does a good job and give you his number. In a hairy situation, we will keep talking until whoever is gone. Also, I know I always say the same thing on these type of threads, but I am a firm believer in women carrying mace. And really carry it, not in your purse where it will take 30 seconds to dig it out.

Mites can burrow down into their ears out of site and drive them crazy. Our older cat had them so bad we were constantly at the Vets. Ear infections can also cause a similar response of over grooming. You sound like you love your cat very much so you probably already know this, but they do tend to hide symptoms when ill so your kitty could be sick with an infection and you wouldn't know it. Happens all the time. The majority of cats don't like going to the vet, but part of being a good animal parent is doing what's in the cats best interest even when it's not what the cat would want. And if he's skittish already, it's also better to have someone else do the cleaning and treatment so your cat doesn't relate that negative experience directly to you. Lastly, I've never used a harness on our kitties and it sounds like a great way to enable an indoor cat to step out once in a while, but when in a stressful situation, the carriers do tend to make them feel more secure. Just a thought.

Hi! Thanks so much for everyone's inputs! I'm not sure if I can pick my slabs but I will look into it right away. We will need three slabs, to do our counters and backsplash per the contractor. He suggested we get slabs to have cuttings done because it would look better. @herbflavor My floors are big square beige/tan tiles. But eventually, not anytime soon...we will prob need to replace them, and we most likely will go darker. I almost want to redo my cabinets white, but they are currently in good condition so we will keep them for now, it's so expensive to get new ones! Or I can stain them a lil darker? Do you think it's possible...to this color in this photo, kinda grey/muted brown? Looks so pretty in this photo that I got inspired.