Mystery! is my favorite, but isn't on as regularly as it used to be-alas. I also like NCIS, the original Law and Order (even with all the cast changes-really like the new Prosecutor), and Law and Order Criminal Intent. I like The Closer, but can never remember when it's on and there are a lot of 10 pm shows I would probably like, but I go to bed early (school starts early, don'tchaknow). House Hunters and HH International are fun, too. We actually know some people who were on House Hunters. Such a disappointment-they had already bought their house and the other two houses were just filmed for the show. Not sure if they are all like that, but this one was not entirely honest. Too bad.

Haahahahaa! Karen this is SO funny. I'm bursting into laughter reading these posts again, and remembering writing and reading them at the time. Well done! And my favourite part about Martha Stewart dropping in with her dish towel parachute!!! WAY too funny!

I must have heard only the good things about her. She's close to her family, and, with her husband, adopted a baby girl from Korea, where her own adopted sister was born. I believe the baby had a heart defect, which was treated after the adoption. I forget the baby's name, but it's unusual because it's a combination of Heigl's mother and sister. She and her husband adopted another baby as well. Plus she is a strong advocate for animals, which I greatly appreciate. Alfre Woodard is also in "State of Affairs;" I like her too. Yes, I'll watch--if I remember. I'm famous for forgetting to watch the beginning, or (more likely) watching the first couple of episodes and then forgetting. ;-)

I suggest grouping whatever living room furniture you buy around the fireplace. It is what I did in my long living room (mine is wider than yours). Here are some layout suggestions: Before you buy any furniture, make sure you have the room to lay it out something similar to the above suggestions. Put tape on the floor, if you have to and make sure you have enough room to walk around the furniture. You can also try Basset Furniture and/or La-Z-Boy showrooms. They can help you with furniture arrangement and they do not charge you, like a designer does. For the TV, you could either get an entertainment center that will fit right or left of the fireplace or your could even mount your TV on the wall (I have 2 TV's that are wall mounted and I love it). When I was getting ready to move into my house 3 years ago, I needed brand new living room, dining room, and family room furniture. I shopped sales and I found my 2 sofas that are in my living room first at a furniture store selling La-Z-Boy furniture. I got lucky! The sofas were on sale for over 60% off and after choosing them, everything else fell into place. For the family room, I went to a La-Z-Boy showroom, found a reclining sofa I loved, and it was also on sale. I choose soft, neutral colors for it and two rocking recliners. We use this room to relax and watch movies on our big TV in the family room. I also suggest looking at rooms on Houzz and see what appeals to you, in style and color.