Eric, you snapped some wonderful pictures and the tree is just marvellous! Your description of taking hummer pics is like me trying to take pics of my cat -- so cute until the camera comes out, then I get a pic of her turning away. Frustrating.

i dryed up the wood and I guess I shouldn't of becuase he wont do anything now. Which brings me to my next question Isn't that a Risk of mold? It's a risk of mold IF it stays damp for a while. If the leak isn't happening, and the area stays dry, there's no risk of mold. If the leak happens again, call him back (and leave the puddle on the floor). **you might post over at the Plumbing forum (see "Other Forums" link at the top of the main page) and see if anyone can suggest any sort of tape or something you could wrap around the outside that would stop the leak. the BIGGEST issue w/ the leak is that it will damage the cabinet--and has already. You don't want them to be on your case bcs you didn't get it fixed before damage occurred (seems to me thats a tenant's responsibility, to alert management when repairs are needed so management can maintain the value of their property). I might call again, and say, "look, I found damp spots again, and obviously there is a leak ,because of damage. I don't want YOUR STUFF to get further ruined; don't you want to fix it? If you wont' come and just tighten or redo all the connections under the sink, then I want you to sign a waiver that says I'm not responsible for any water damage under the sink." Rusty radiators won't hurt you; I've never read anything about dangers of inhaling iron--I don't think it creates fumes anyway--feel free to use them. If they look bad, ask management to come and scrape and paint them. As for the carpet, sure you can ask. But if your rent is lower than in the other units, they may tell you that new carpet will cost you a higher rent. I would just ask them--point out that you're paying the market rate, and your carpets are disgusting; their agent acknowledged this at the beginning (though you accepted those carpets as is, and they may say, that's the contract) But I don't think any of those things are particular health hazards. Maybe your best bet is to start looking at other apartments. See what you can get elsewhere for the same money you are spending now. If it's better (even if it's just in better condition), that gives you a bargaining tool. You can either just move when your lease is up, or threaten to do so as a tool to get them to make your place look nice. They'd have to change that carpet for a new tenant anyway, plus they might have some down-time between tenants.

Connie, I'm softly patting you on your shoulder. It's very hard I know. As a senior case manager (retired), a nurse, and recently widowed, I can tell you that most Hospices will make nursing home visits. They make sure the patient is comfortable, both with expediting appropriate medications, personalized personal care/baths, and nursing interventions. One lady I knew had no family left and the Hospice nurse stayed with her till the end. I just can't say enough good about our Hospice in Central Illinois. And yes, it is not irrevocable. God grant you peace and understanding in your coming days. Jan

Thanks for the ideas everyone! It'such an unusual piece, needs a big kitchen! Deedles: We are totally changing the kitchen design to more a Traditional/touch of contemporary feel. The original kitchen was finally showing its age, and being empty nesters, wanted an "adult" kitchen. So we gutted and redesigned a large kitchen, laundry room and bar area. Two islands, lots of outlets for plugging in laptops, Flat Screen, and a trifold glass door leading out to the backyard patio. I will put up pictures soon, its almost done. Lousiana Purchase: would be glad to email you and see if you have any ideas too! Hard to figure out a price. Habitat store, I think there is one in DAllas. Robenkitchen-great idea about Ebay and saying Local Pickup only, I didn't know that was an option. Makes sense. I'll try Craigslist too. Garden Web was a huge resource for picking stuff out for the remodel. Everyone is so helpful and insightful.