What a wonderful story. I just went and posted it on another forum that could use a good heart warming story. There is so much gloom and doom so many places it seems any more. Sue

Bringing this back up for consideration. We have enough interested members that Retreat will take place! We would love to have more join us!!! Remember that this year it is a holiday weekend which hopefully will help with travelling. (Columbus Day holiday-US, and Thanksgiving-Canada) We generally leave camp around lunchtime on Sunday (either eating first, taking a bag lunch with us, or we could plan not to have their lunch at all), but we could actually stay all afternoon if we wished. We currently have coming for sure: Toolgranny-Linda Jennifer in VA Teresa_nc Sunnycntralfl-Gwen & Rob Grammyp-Beverly & Tim Faye, Fran & Rosa have all expressed interest as well. Please email me with confirmation in you'd like to attend and I'll send my address for the deposit. Jennifer

hi Berf! Yes, I am happy with the results. The guy that delivered and installed was a bit grumpy-- he got totally lost in southwest/southeast DC, close to the new stadium. I had to "babysit" him and feed him directions to get him to the house. he was quite freaked out by being in the big city. But I think he did good work. Old Mill doesn't really provide those huge slabs that you can do the whole countertop with no seams, but I think the seams are hardly noticeable and they don't bother me. So tiny that nothing gets caught in them.

you all are the best! Thanks for your feedback, it really helps. I just wish my GC, who hired this guy, would fight for quality workmanship. He is being sorta flaky and trying to side with the hardwood guys. I randomly called three reputable hardwood floor installers in my area and they all agreed that our hardwood guy did a poor job. alley2007 - how did you convince your hardwood floor guy to redo (resand, stain & varnish)? Our hardwood guy is blaming the painters for not covering the floors and tries to take no responsibilities. kiwigem - we really like the color and the sheen. While I was apprehensive about dark floor, my DH loves it and I have to give in on this one. Michelle - I heard great things about Kolbe and your casement windows are awesome! We passed electrical, hvac, plumbing and fire inspection today. We have few misc. items from the building inspection to complete but once we do, we can move in! If only we can resolve the floor situation quickly . :(