I think it's fine if you asked after accepting..... Its' those who hesitate upon being issued an invitation and ask.."Who's going to be there" that are ill mannered. I don't think anyone could fault you if you said something like..."What fun! Thank you! Who else might I get to see there?'

You are welcome, Shambo! That recipe was passed on to me from a good customer when I worked in the retail gourmet cooking store and I make it all the time. Glad it is something your DH can enjoy also. Teresa

In response to your question on the gray paint thread. The BM gray owl looks lovely next to palladian blue. i purchased a quart since they didnt have a sample pot and painted it on a sample board next to palladian blue and it looks great. I'm going to paint a maple dresser with the gray owl and wash it with a creamy white for that gustavian look.

Don't give him cold shoulder. Lay it all out. Specifically. I don't like it when you _____________ because I feel _____________ when that happens. Then tell him what you will do. Example. My 7 year old (yep, because that's how old your dh is acting!!) keeps not appreciating what I do for her. Not only that, but acting like a little brat prior to us doing fun stuff. I finally told her today that I am tired of feeling like this. I told her I cannot control what she does, but I can control how I react to it. So the next time she doesn't listen to me about eating in the living room or whatever, I'm not going to get all upset. We're just not going to do the fun stuff we had planned. Then I won't feel that she's taking advantage and martyr myself. End game. I think she got it. So, what will you do when DH does something like that? DH: I think your tattoos are hideous. You: I apologize for my husband. That was innappropriate to say to you, a guest in our home. Would you like to come with me to the patio for some tea? DH: Rush Limbaugh is an idiot, I don't see how any smart person could listen to him. You must be an idiot. You: It's obvious we have different opinions on this subject. Aren't politics a heated subject!! By the way, Aunt Jen, this is a lovely coffee cake. How did you make it so fluffy and light? By doing that, it takes the attention from him, lets him and everyone know that you won't stand for it, and lets him off without the humility of being kicked or told off. Just smile, and cut him off at the chase. Diffuse while in the heat of it, then when you get him alone have specific things to tell him, without anger or blame.