@ annie1971 Not washing in hot water because your machine only provides a cold rinse is, in my opinion, misguided. You do realize that if you wash at 120F or higher, your rinses will end up being warm? That's because any cold water entering your machine will be warmed by the higher temperature of the inner and outer drum, clothes, and door. And saying that cold water won't rinse away "fecal and other crud we can't see" is also not especially accurate. In this respect, there is no difference between cold and warm water rinses. It's the main wash portion of the cycle, through the use of detergent, that you are removing fecal and other matter. You may be in for a shock, but by washing in warm and rinsing even in warm water will do nothing to rid your clothes of germs and bacteria. Your baby clothes, underwear, sheets and towels are already not clean - by your own definition - when washed and rinsed with warm water.

I didn't look up Charleston moulding, but wanted to give my experience with stained pine crown moulding. Crown (4 5/8 in.) has been installed in my house in two areas. The first installation was over four years ago during a dry spell. The second installation was this fall during a damp spell (stored in a dry location, cut in the open garage). Different installers. Minimal to no problems with the first install. The second installation has some shrunken pieces now (winter). The installer said he would fix it, but would charge for the fix. I'm waiting for about a year to see if the crown stretches during damper weather. Bottom line: if you go with pine, make sure the wood is very dry and is installed in very dry weather. If the maximum length is less than 16 feet, then the problems will only occur at the corners. Otherwise, you'll see the differences at the joins.

thanks for all the feedback guys.. i have been asking opinions on this all weekend.. my painter believes the sheetrock job was exemplary and no fault of that contractor. i had 2 different people say "its 20 degrees outside and with forced hot air heating your add-a-level is drying out" the GC was over last night and he said "i've seen this before but never as bad as you've got it now". I guess i have to wait until warmer weather and see how much of this reverses, but i'm afraid my tray ceiling might be history. I guess this is a learning experience that next time i'm building i'll wait 3 months after framing before i paint. i'm actually surprised my tile shower stall hasnt cracked. you guys are the best!

After another cold winter, and trying window film (didn't help much) I think we are finally ready to start replacing some of the old windows I referenced above. 1. What would be quality, moderately priced window brand to look at? I'm not interested in the "very best" or top of the line.....just windows that provide warmth, functionality, and value. We have Crestline vinyl inside and out) now so I'm sure just about anything will be an improvement. 2. Can I install such windows myself? I would replace them one at a time (probably a couple each year for the next few years) and have the help of both my father and father-in-law. I have all tools (table saw, miter saw, drills, compressor, hand tools etc) and am pretty handy (built two decks, finished part of basement, etc)? 3. What kind of budget should I be looking at per window? Thanks!