I agree in that you should only play a supportive role through this and make it a no drama zone. Just be honest if asked a question (don't sugar coat) and provide them with whatever information they ask. The only thing that would make me cautious, and you didn't mention it is, if you broke up for reasons that involved violence or drugs and/or alcohol addiction for obvious reasons. In regards to the relationship they have with their step father, when you say it's the last nail in the coffin, it suggests there has been other issues. IMHO, kids are very loyal to the people who have always been there to love them, if they do go away it's most likely due to things he's done on his own and not the fact that they've connected with extended family. You know what they say, "you made your bed". My first husband and I divorced when my daughter was still a toddler. He was an violent alcoholic and a wife beater. I always felt that eventually one day that would extend out to my daughter so I made it impossible for him to see her. I would answer any questions my daughter had when she was growing up but did not fully disclose details with her until she was in her 20's and it was appropriate for her to know. By that age it was no longer my call and if she chose to seek him out, she deserved to know the facts of why I made the decision I did. Luckily as it turned out she said she was never interested in knowing him but just curious about what exactly happened.

all chimneys will lean away from the direction of the prevailing wind Have no idea what this means, but the house isn't in a wide open area that's really windy. The home on the chimney side isn't far at all - actually, would like my possible neighbors to be farther away! The house is a tri-level home. The chimney is outside the finished basement. I don't think it needs rebuilding, but what do I know, nothing when it comes to things like this. Below is a partial pic of the chimney, before I noticed the problem. Will have to upload the newer pic when I get a chance. Home inspector coming tomorrow (9/1) with foundation repair man coming Friday (not soon enough for me) to assess what the damage is and what needs to be done AND of course, the cost. Thanks for your insight!

Bump-It!

Mzstitch and Kate, the issue is not and has never been getting banned. The issue is my posts being deleted, or as I phrased it, my posts being banned. Fig_insanity, jpeace. Lynn, mustbnuts, jeri, and others have already stated why this is wrong and discriminatory, so please reread what they said if you want my answer to why I should be allowed to share what we do at Humpty Dumpty House. Regarding the free ride and the competition, I completely disagree. Yes, Houzz provides a free forum for us. Do I value that -- yes. But I also provide a free service to Houzz, answering questions and sharing information I get paid for in my consulting work. Every time you, Kate, post your beautiful pictures, you're enriching Houzz's content and attracting more people here. Seil does the same when she provides expert advice about pests or diseases in roses, as does Kim in horticultural practices, and so on. Would you continue to come here if there was no Daisy, no Hoovb, no Camps, no MichaelG, none of the people mentioned above, no one with any expertise, no resources where to buy roses or pretty gardens to visit, and no one posting helpful pictures? All that takes work, So I don't consider this forum a free ride -- I consider it a partnership. But does Houzz? Do they value me, or am I like a tiny ant to be squashed if they think I'm out of line? I hope they value all of us, and that's one of the things I want to find out thru this situation. It may sound silly, but every day I try to remember why I'm here (on this planet; not at Houzz). I'm not here to abuse of be abused. I want relationships that are based on kindness and respect. Rejection hurts. If my posts were rejected because of an outright mistake, I'd like an apology. If my posts were deleted because of a technical error, I'd like to know that. Mistakes happen, and when someone gets hurt in the process, those who caused the error whether intentionally or accidentally, should stand tall and do what's right. Humpty Dumpty House is not in competition with Houzz, or Heritage Roses Groups, or Hoovb's blog, or any other person or organization involved in gardens. To me, this kind of negative thinking leads to divisiveness, and I don't want that in my life. When I come to Houzz and learn about Friends of Vintage Roses, or Chamblees, or HMF it enhances my experience here and makes me want to come back. I embrace that we are a network in harmony, with a big love for creating beauty in the world -- why wouldn't we want to help each other? One of my deleted posts with a link to Humpty Dumpty House facebook has already been restored, so I'm taking that as a sign a mistake was made when my posts were deleted. The fact this post is still up and contains a link to the Humpty Dumpty House facebook is another good sign. I cherish my friendships here, but I also want to align myself and Humpty Dumpty House with organizations that treat people well. Having posts deleted in the manner that happened here hurt like a slap in the face. I want to see if anyone here at Houzz values me enough to take some of the sting away. I don't need a public apology, but some private, gentle concern will go a long way toward convincing me that members here (all members -- not just me) are treated with fairness and respect. When that happens you'll see my next post. jannike