I was very fortunate to meet Karen and her DH this weekend. Karen and I shared some great conversation and some excellent wine and it was perfect. Linda, I can only hope Karen likes the coasters as much as you...lol. You might try Dillards :) Thanks again for the hospitality, Karen and I will look forward to meeting up again....now, I have 2 reasons to go to Lake Charles...lol. I think we will have to get Maggie and Aleksi together sometime, too! Brenda

That house is a few miles from me and one I used to pass by regularly on my way to the local community house down the street from it. That would be the deal killer for me as there is traffic (foot, car, bike) at all times but significant traffic when there are major events held there. They have a huge Antiques & Modernism show every year as well as weddings, wine tastings..... and a fitness center. Beautiful neighborhood, what we call around here "a walk-to location" because you can walk to retail, commuter train, schools... - beach is a hike but a nice bike ride.

I can understand how you feel -- my stepdaughter stayed with us last summer (on break from college) and I will not allow her to stay here again (my husband supports me because she went out drinking every night, went through all of my closets, drawers, etc. and stole my belongs -- then, of course lied). So, my question is are you concerned about leaving her alone because of her age or because of what she might do alone in your house (mine came for a lunch w/Dad and her grandmother for Christmas and I asked my husband to promise he would not let her out of his sight....he didn't! Nothing was stolen.) I guess the part about he told you and didn't ask bothers me.....I mean I have made demands to my husband about her NOT coming, but he fully understands how she totally violated me this summer and disrespects him so he agrees (lunch at Christmas was a compromise! If she comes into my house, you promise to watch her and not let her anywhere near my closets, jewelry box, etc!). If you think she is ok to be alone and won't do any damage, I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all. In fact.....do you have someplace you could go visit for a week or 2?! It sure ain't easy for us stepmoms, is it?!!!!! (I do have a great stepson full-time though....so I do see the value we/they can bring, but when it's bad....it's pretty awful!)

I have Japanese Maples that have gone 2 weeks outdoors without watering in cooler weather, albeit smaller trees (12-15") in bigger (2-2 1/2 gallon) pots. My GM is quarter inch 1-1-1 Pine, granite, turface. You'd be surprised how much moisture GM holds. That being said, I don't know ficus and I don't want to be the one to give you bad advice that damages/kills your plant. I'd try to get someone to water them...if you can't, I'd turn the heat down as low as they will tolerate, cover the Top of the pot to prevent evaporation and put a curtain in the window to cut down or eliminate the amount of direct sunlight the receive.