Cacbeary- I may be a little late with this posting, but, better late than never! I don't think it is sick at all for your mom to place a stepping stone at your father's grave. Everyone grieves differently. I think it is a terrific idea. I also think it is better than a bunch of fake flowers that you buy at Walmart. No offense to anyone who does this, I do this, too. Not everyone can have a stepping stone at their grave. Its a very lasting momento. I, for one, think it is very sweet and a suggestion that I may make to people who want to commerate their loved ones. It would also be great for kids to do and then as they get older it will always be there. I'm into it. Kelly

Hi, thanks for the advice. To answer the questions, yes, I could move windows,I think. My table is in the sort of empty corner that we have now. Its 5 1/2 by 3feet. I thought about a banquette, but Im not sure how I feel about them. The notation at the bottom of the sketch says baseboard, which is the type of heat we currently have. I have no idea if that has to stay or can get moved around or changed or lessened. As far as the doors, we don't have another door in the dining room, we do have a large set of windows, that we could contemplate changing into french doors, but again, there is heat there, and then my kids would be traveling in and out of the dining room sopping wet. Im not sure if the foyer door could be moved down. we probably need it somewhere on that wall, as it comes in right off the 4 steps to our family room. High traffic!!! Finally, Juliekcmo, you are right on in your assessment with the functional issues. I do use our cook-top as counter (although I would love to replace our electric with gas when we renovate), and I think a range would be our best option as well. I also use my table now as a prep area, especially since its currently right across from the fridge. Thanks!

You want to take care of it immediately. Move it away from the others. (I'm assuming your hosta are still in pots.) It's in the soil, so you want to get rid of the soil. I don't know if you remember Moccasin, but she used Hydrogen Peroxide. She watered it down, but I don't remember the mixture. It's a fungus, so things that will kill mold will most likely kill the rot. Just get rid of the spores, or they will spread to other hosta. (Trash the soil and put it in new soil.) Here are some suggestions from the American Hosta Society. They suggest chemicals and/or a bleach solution. Here's a link to the hosta library instructions for handling the fungus. There is an extensive article at the HERE link, which isn't underlined, so don't miss it. He explains how he rids his garden of Southern Blight. BK

I see no purpose for an odd portico added to this house it is already a bit off balancewise and IMO adding another element will not work unless you do a complete porch all across the front with supports , tied into the roof and done right.I do not see what would be better inside either . I agree work on the landscaping and save the huge $$$$ this will cost.