pam, thanks so much for the encouragement. It's not that I can't do it, I had to learn how to keep my pc going, just am balking at the huge change. I could run Windows programs on a newer Mac (but WHY?). Why? My Photoshop CS2 is pc only but Adobe will let me switch, then I have to remove it from my pc. Now if I have a laptop, they'll let you have one copy on each, very strict. You don't dare cheat because the software communicates with Adobe for updates. Plus I upgraded to CS4 and that is only for PC, can work that out with Adobe. I got Lightroom, and luckily both pc and imac are on the cd for that but I can't have both. It won't work on my pc anyway because I don't have enough RAM plus there's a new upgrade out already! I have too many apps that are Win only, my genealogy program, Rootsmagic and an older version of Family Origins, enormous work invested in that (no Mac version yet). Winzip which I need a lot (maybe there's something on the imac for that). My fractals program (don't use it much any more). Couple other ones I guess I could live without. I've already spent about $90 on Fusion, maybe they will refund that, should check it out. Then I have to decide before a year is up if I want to spring $200 for a 2-year contract for apple care or wing it and use the web, my manual and intuition. Then should I invest in the Time Machine for backup? I don't think so, will burn dvd's and use external hard drives and do it myself. Then when my pc finally crashes, maybe I'll get a notebook or just get it fixed and keep both running, so much to decide. Another thing I'm dreading is file transfers, especially my huge photo files. The geek guy from BB got both my computers on the web via a router but just could not get them networked so they'll talk to each other. That means I'll have to run everything onto my external hard drives and hook it into a USB port on the imac and transfer it that way, might be very slow. Will have to learn how to make a file structure for my photos like I like to store them. So many little details to consider. I have decided to just scrap the fusion even if they won't refund me my money because it's just another hassle and I have a contract with Norton AV for my pc but would probably have to pay double to have it on the imac. There's better AV software out there, but Norton once I got used to it works very well for me. I know once people get going, they love their Macs. I do love that big screen, resolution is great, and photos on it look fantastic, color is astounding. The only thing I don't like is that web pages look like typewriter paper (portrait mode in photography), not wider and shorter like I'm used to. Maybe I can change that somehow.

Of course it can be done. The window wells should have a drain tied into your foundation drain. Fortunately, when we installed our egress window, we were able to find a concrete cutting service that also specialized in the install of egress windows. Super clean and tight result. BTW, after seeing the cuts done professionally with a "ring saw", I'd try to avoid someone that uses a regular masonry saw. Too much chiseling with the latter to complete the thick wall cut, and it's not as accurate.

To those using Firefox, go to Tools (located on the Firefox toolbar) then click on Options. Open the Content Tab; the first box will say "Block pop-up windows". Make sure the box is checked. I use Firefox with Adblock Plus (and have the "block" box checked!); I never see ads. I understand the need for advertising but I only have basic DSL (all I can get in my area; until 3 months ago I was on dial-up) and only have so much time on the computer; I refuse to spend my limited online time waiting for ads to load. Hope this helps.

What do you mean "add block" to the existing basement? Addition? Retaining wall? Masonry interior partition?