Woodyoak..I'm very sorry you got the response you did from your visit to the local garden club. I know it may seem that you'd be tattling like a kid does when somebody does wrong, but I think you need to write a letter or call the President of that club and bring this matter to her attention. It is possible that she was not aware of what you encountered. Does that club have a monthly newsletter that goes out to all its members? If she is any kind of a person/President, she would mention this in that newsletter to prevent it happening to somebody else that has disabilities. I'm sure you are not the first one that has come there with a disability, so it's obvious that it should be addressed. Are there other Garden Clubs in your area that you could check out? The lady that you said walks by your house, is she in the same Garden Club as you? If so, bring up the subject one time she is visiting? Invite her in for a cup of coffee/tea while she tours your gardens. I am on our hosptiality and worship committee at our church, and our leader has taught us to walk up to people we don't normally recognize or act like they are new, and start a conversation by introducing yourself and say "I don't think we've met before but I'm so and so and ask if this is their first time visiting with us? Sometimes it turns out to be somebody that is not a regular attendee and they've belonged to the church for many years. At least, that introduction breaks the ice and you'll remember that person and vice versa the next time. If you can't remember that person's name the next time, you'll probably recognize his/her face. A smile and a friendly Hello does wonders. I know a lot of people are reluctant to join groups or organizations because they fear not knowing anybody. That's a cope out, I'm sorry! I hope that this helps. Don't give up!

Minnie... Uh, how old are you? :-) The reason I'm asking is that it was Franklin Roosevelt who MOVED T-giving from it's traditional 4th Thursday, to the 3rd Thursday. He did this in the mid to late 1930s to create a longer Christmas shopping season. It had been traditionally the 4th Thursday for quite some time at that point, and when people complained long and loud, the holiday was moved back to the 4th Thursday only 2 years later. It wasn't until 1941 that Congress actually declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be observed on the 4th Thursday. Kind of funny when you think about the holiday that is so deeply ingrained in the American conscience really only being a formal holiday for just over 60 years.

Well, higher Kelvins will probably be harsh on the eyes too, just in a new and exciting way! I bought some "daylight" bulbs with that high Kelvin and I though they might burn my retinas. If my DH catches me bringing one more pack of bulbs into the house, I may need a divorce lawyer! I keep trying to find a CFL I can live with. Hasn't happened yet... So, what about using lamps right now for lighting down there? You could use some inexpensive uplighting cans, some table lamps, etc. Would that be enough? Either that, or pick a color that works for the wall you see from the LR (I assume that doesn't have the fluorescent light shining on it?) Sorry, it's hard to imagine what the situation is, how the two spaces connect visually. Is there another way to warm up the basement space? I put my old red sofa down in the playroom, along with some oriental rugs. They really distract from the less-than ideal wall color. I will probably repaint that room Gustavian Gray when I find the time. The carpet is a warm tone, too, so I don't think the room will feel cold. Cognac walls and Dusk ceilings sound gorgeous, btw! We have the Sand walls and Gustavian Gray ceiling thing going on here. Theme and variation! :-)

diginthedirt17 has formica basalt slate -which looks like soapstone, but there was someone else who had the white counters and that counter too. Maybe do a search on basalt slate?