Ded -- DS is in Day (Days?) Hall right near Flint! Good thing he's an active guy in good shape. If he passes his audition he will also be playing his euphonium (a big horn) in the band, so that walk with his music case is going to be super fun. Just thought I'd check back and report that I did decide on Mirbeau. I will be there Fri-Tues (not this week...but I wish) and will see DS probably on Sat. for lunch or whatever he wants to do. I have almost a full day of spa treatments on Mon. (Massage, facial, lunch, mani, pedi) and otherwise plan to go for walks, read, and explore the town of Skaneateles. Any recommendations for that area, let me know... I think I may be celebrating this birthday more than anyone has ever celebrated a 50th birthday. Already went to Bermuda with close friends, being taken away to Woodstock VT in a few weeks with other friends, have a party being planned by DH (with assistance from 3 girlfriends), and then wrapping it all up in a solo spa trip. How lucky am I? We have had a super stressful year, so it's really fun to have good things to look forward to.

June will be a fabulous time to be in the Canadian Rockies. I am so envious! We arrived at the Fairmont in the evening and it was rainy and foggy. Oh well, we thought. Then when we woke up the next morning and looked out the window, we thought we had been transported to a wonderland. It literally took my breath away. Thank you for your thoughts about my Oliver. It's not easy. He's my best friend. I know you understand.

See my feedback on the other board as well Jim. The old rule is the installer is 75% of the process and the product is 75%. Obviously the math doesn't add up but it goes to show that they are both equally important and just as significant. While most installers don't usually know the real deep ins and outs of window performance, they know what is a quality product by handling it. If you know of a good installer, the hope is that they would have a very good idea as to a solid window in the area as well.

Hi, We were there two years ago in midMarch, as part of our sweep through the Southeast to show kids the highlights (not really SE but I wanted to include it). I had been to NO twice before and loved it. I have to say I was disappointed this time. First, to me, The French Quarter literally reeked of alcohol just walking down the street. Rather than quirky or charming or dishabille, it just felt seedy to me. I was looking forward to shopping, but it was wall to wall t-shirts and shotglasses and beer steins, IYKWIM. It also felt a little dicey at night in spots. I much preferred the Garden District for walking around and it had some cute shopping areas. As far as tours, I have done swamp tours three times now. The one we went on this time was the highest rated on TA. It was about an hour away. I didn't care for it at all, and neither did my family. The water is not terribly pretty. A lot of rusty industrial vistas mixed in. They feed the alligators marshmallows to lure them, which just seems wrong. They also show you wild pigs (or boar? IDR) living in the swamp. They come very close to the boat and again they throw marshmallows at them. They are very ugly animals and I don't think they are unique to the area. Not much in the way of birds and only a little spanish moss here and there (maybe it's too early). Much preferred the plantation tours. The homes and grounds are lovely (though when we were there not much was in bloom yet). We had some great guides. We also liked a bike tour we took through the ninth ward. They have a truly excellent WWII museum, but TBH the boys did that while we shopped. If you say NO, people will say Cafe Du monde, so you pretty much have to go. Maybe my tastes have changed but all of us thought it was pretty much a greasy doughnut. But it doesn't matter because it only takes a few minutes and you kind of have to! We enjoyed the restaurants, esp Langlois, and La Petite Grocery. The old standards, IMHO have not kept their menus up to date and are awfully heavy and rich. Be sure to try some alligator! Our favorite part of our stay was actually the charming B and B we took over (it only had three rooms). Wonderful architecture and decor, But you are all set in that department. It's always fun to share a new city with a friend; I'm sure you will have a great time!