Your garden is rather small thus eliminating many fine grasses add in the fact that your garden is not getting the full day of sun makes the slim selection even more limited. There are still some fine grasses to choose from like most Festuca which are smaller in height & width. They do require quite a bit of sun but the blue color of most of the Festuca is very eye catching. If Festuca doesn't fill the bill then you might try looking a Panicum grasses. These do get anywhere from 3 -5' tall abut stay more narrow in width. Panicum grasses do like to have a more shaded afternoon light so this might be the grass to ponder. Hakonechloa macra is a very attractive grass with its yellow to yellow green leaves. Not overly large but a vibrant afternoon shade loving grass. Needless to repeat but the best way to gather information would be to get a hold of the Ornamental Grass Encyclopedia by Rick Darke. Worth the money and efforts to get this book. Pictures, great synopsis of many grasses. I know I did not really give you a definite selection of grasses to choose from but what I like might not be what works for you. Again you do have a small plot to work with so research and have a go at it. Jake

Dad has GOT to take a more active stance. Bio-Mom doesn't get to dictate all of the terms just because she has primary custody. The problems you describe are serious, and heading down a nasty, difficult road. If Bio-Mom doesn't change her ways, this child will be one of those 'never grow up, live at home' adults who can't hold down a job or maintain an adult relationship. I know Momma loves her 'baby', but it's going too far, waaay too far. Is there any indication that the child isn't capable of doing for himself? Any signs of a developmental disability? Since he's old enough to be in school, I'd schedule a conference with his teacher. Or rather, I'd make sure your husband does it, then show up there yourself "to be a supportive wife and stepmother." It'll be walking a tightrope, but it's necessary. See what types of difficulties he's having in school, of if he's able to cope there, but just not at home. Whether or not to include Bio-Mom is a tricky issue -- Maybe talk to the teacher first on the phone so you get an idea of whether or not she has the same concerns you do? If she does, let her be the one to take the lead with Bio-Mom on ways to encourage independence and self-reliance. If the teacher isn't concerned, it could be that stepson's behavior is specific to your household -- which would be a whole 'nother can of worms. (If you have the same last name as the child, odds are good the teacher won't even know you're the step-mom until you tell her -- Which of course, you'll do at the 'appropriate' time.) There are ways to encourage a child's independence without saying "You have to do it yourself." Try showing him once, then asking him if he can do the next one. (Make sure it's something small and simple where his chances of success are near 100%.) If he's slow to comply, be 'unavailable' to help for a few minutes -- maybe "as soon as I get back from the bathroom" or "take the clothes out of the dryer" or "stir the pot for dinner." He'll probably rather do it himself than wait. Or tell him how much the 2 year old looks up to him since he's so much bigger, and ask him if he can show the little guy how to do something. (Never mind that it could be the reverse...) Letting him know what to do, then walking away and leaving him to fend for himself can be a very effective strategy. Praising small advances, looking for good behaviors to reward, and admiring 'big boy' things may also encourage the types of behaviors you want to see. Good luck - and hang in there. Above all, try to remember that the little boy's self-crippling behaviors are a result of his mother's actions, not (yet) a character trait.

Ok let me be clear. I’m not afraid of my husband nor am I worried about getting a divorce. It was just playing. Those of us who have been married for years sometimes avoid certain conversations just because we know we’ll be annoyed or you’ll have to hear the other complain. It’s not that deep. I also don’t like to make my husband feel unappreciated, so there are times I’ll work around, rather than ask him to change something he has done for me. That’s part of being married. I was merely asking for thoughts on how I could make this a “work around” issue. Better?

Only my instinct given that he didn't execute the visible finishing in an accepted, and well-known, manner. If the visible isn't up to standards, what's behind the walls? My alarm bells went off but it's too late to check it without tearing it all out. You'll know within the year and that's why a warranty is so important. I'm just a check, check-again person after reading the forums for several years. Also, I'm going through my own reno and, despite written instructions and pictures, there have been some silly errors. I try to have a basic understanding of what should be happening so that I can, hopefully, catch it before we have to tear out the work. Also, hired a GC with positive local standing...just like you did. Mine has taken care of things, which have been minor like the wrong size cans and placement. It's like any medical issue, I'm my own best advocate and it's my duty to ask questions. I have to have an idea of the possibilities to ask the questions. Approach it like that. I see no reason to be confrontational. After some self-education with the TCNA handbook (Tile Council of North America), johnbridge is a great place to become acquainted with basics, just say that you expected silicone at the changes of plane and you're confident that he (or his tile person) will follow industry standards.