Larry...although TC's are true cactus, they're epiphytic, therefore don't have the typical requirement of other succulents. TC's require humidity. That's where plastic comes in. Marjie, do you have a clear, plastic bag lying around? If so, place the pot inside the plastic. If you enclose the bag airtight, you may not have to water, but check soil periodically in case soil does dry. If you fear wrapping the plant entirely, you can cut slits in the plastic for air circulation. Either way will work. As I stated above...when a TC segment broke off mom, I tossed the cutting in a pot atop soil...with success..Didn't apply effort, no digging a hole then placing segment inside. But, during summer humidity is high so nature takes care of greenery. 'Outdoors.' There's no need to place TC cuttings in plastic during humid, summer months. Indoors, especially this time of year when air is dry, a different approach is needed. Don't fear using plastic. Think about it as a temporary green house. :) Toni

Thanks, Martha. I tried both suggestions, but no change. Not sure exactly I've been using IE7...a couple of months, maybe? I'll be interested to see if the problem exists on my other computer. I can't tell at the moment because it needs a new monitor. Since posting the first time, I discovered that I can't open the comments to one of my blogs and I can't open the log-in screen that will let me download archived articles on a newspaper website. This is getting very irritating! I'll go see if Microsoft has some sort of help forum... Susan

I would suggest filing a non-paying buyer dispute. You have 45 days from auction's end to file. In order to close a dispute you must take additional steps besides filing the dispute. If you leave a dispute in limbo, then it is automatically closed after 90 days and you have no recourse and you don't get your fees refunded. If the buyer doesn't pay, then close the dispute by saying you no longer wish to communicate with this buyer. This gives her a strike, which is different than a negative feedback. 3 strikes and a member is kicked out. I would not offer a second chance to the next bidder unless a dispute has been filed. Your buyer could file a dispute first and claim you were a non-performing seller and sold the item she won to another bidder. It's unlikely this buyer would do this, but it has happened in the past. Talking about past options...it's not the end of the world if you get an undeserved neg. You simply post a reply and state that the neg was left in retaliation and give the facts. Those that take the time to look at feedback can see the true story. Now, eBay has changed the rules and we won't be able to do that.

Let me just echo what melsouth said above. I was quoted an upcharge by one cabinet maker for painted white, but in our current new house the price was the same for stained or painted white from a different cabinetmaker. Perhaps you can get an estimate from another shop. It also bothers me that your cabinet maker is trying to discourage you from using white since he prefers stained. He should NOT be doing that. In a previous home, I let myself be pressured to do some things by the cabinet maker and always regretted those choices since I really preferred other things, but felt I had to go with his recommendations. As others have said, you're stronger than you even realize after sustaining the loss of your husband. It's natural to struggle with decisions following that...and sometimes I've found just getting a bit older can make decision making (particularly so many at the same time) more likely to be overwhelming. Just take them one at a time, and it will get done. My sincere sympathy over your loss, and I hope you'll still find the joy in each new day you have. Regarding appliances--if YOU like white cabinets and choose that, you can go with either white or stainless. With cherry, IMHO stainless would look best. We went with stainless in this house with white cabinets because I didn't care for the appearance of big white refrigerators. But we chose the stainless look frig that doesn't show fingerprints. I've found that the stainless undermount sink I thought I'd hate, is actually less work than my previous white one. As with so many things, in the long run, it will work out. Just take it one step at a time. Keep us posted. You have so many friends here ready to help you.