It's interesting how often this subject comes up on the GardenWeb and how personally people take the comments. Every family is different which is why every house is different which is why designing houses is so difficult. The only reason I can get through the process is that I only have to listen to one couple's opinions and eventually a solution is found that suits their needs but doesn't look like an awkward compromise but it's never quick, simple or obvious. No one should expect to find good ready made design solutions on an internet forum. You're lucky if you see something that takes you a step further toward your goal. Obviously, many people don't like the way other people live and some of them can't resist making comments to that effect. It's like having an endless string of in-laws. A competent designer is never judgmental but that doesn't apply to spectators so free design advice is often worth what you paid for it.

Well, my bachelor interlude is ending. This morning I'm flying to the Bay Area to join SWMBO and dear son who have been gallivanting around NorCal and SoCal, visiting friends, Universal Studios, museums, whatnot. I'll hang out in Berkeley for a couple days before driving home with them on Thursday. Hopefully I'll find a place to watch the Tour de France as it is about to move into the mountain stages. I'll also be working some - "have laptop will travel" you know. Maybe someone will loan me a bike to take a ride or two. When I get back, it's straight to Seattle for the Seattle-To-Portland ride next Saturday and Sunday. That should be fun, or painful, or both. I've neglected to make any lodging arrangements at the overnight stop in Centralia, but am figuring I can camp somewhere. I've alerted the office that I am play-it-by-ear as far as coming in on the following Monday goes. It has been a bit less than three weeks of a diet of minimal grains, lots of fruit and meat, and the occasional vegetable. Missed my usual bachelor fare of ramen and burritos, never had time to make myself a plate of boeuf hache, but I haven't starved. I've ridden about 200 miles, lost a couple of pounds, made two batches of beef jerky, and sent dear daughter several parcels and multiple letters. Hey, Eileen, I didn't get your email. If you're still coming through Portland, let me know. johnliu@earthlink.net. Cab's here. Gotta go!

When Chris was questioning Jason alone, before Melissa came out, Jason stated that he felt the chemistry changing during the time they spent together, between the end of filming and the t.v. broadcast. He also said he had discussed his changing feelings with her, so it couldn't have been any surpise to her that he wanted to end the relationship. But I'm sure the network made them promise to not leak out anything about their impending 'break up' since the public didn't even know he had chosen her yet. And of course the producers would want to milk it for more air time, and probably told the two not to have any more phone conversations so the break up would come off as spontaneous for the 'after the rose' broadcast, rather than something that had been evolving between them privately. It made Jason look like a total cad, which I don't believe he is, but rather a very confused man who should not be making any big decisions right away regarding his marital status. I hope there is no proposal to Molly tonight, because I really think if he was so sure Melissa was right for him, he should be darn sure his feelings will last before making such a commitment again.

Neither one was in it (the show) for the right reasons. Interesting that Lorenzo Lamas felt that way about his own daughter when meeting with Matt for the first time. In this case daddy knew best. At least the bachelor was responsible for one happy couple, Trista and Ryan and their beautiful baby. matti