Along similar lines -- I received a note from a cousin's child (20-something) who we are not that close to. She wanted to take a trip abroad to do some kind of volunteer project and didn't have the money to pay for it. She was soliciting us for funds. I don't mind when kids sell cookies or chocolate bars for band trips etc. because at least they're DOING something, but this hit me the wrong way. Yes, maybe it was a worthy endeavor but it seemed a little more fun than work. I have kids of my own and if they can't afford to do something they work for the money themselves or THEY DON'T DO IT. They don't go off begging. I found the whole thing very distasteful. I didn't send back a note that said "Get. A. Job." Thought of it though...

DH and I must be more trusting than most. I understand it can be a lot of work and a big headache, but neither of us are particularly concerned about the people. It's not like we've never met them and someone just walked in off the street....and I know that all families have their share of "problem children", but that's not a major concern for us. Maybe it should be, but it isn't. I'm thinking the larger issue is if this will provide the bride with the best wedding option for her, and I don't think it will. Our patio is nice, but our outside is really set up as "pods" of individual space....the deck above, the patio below, one field on one side of the house, the other field on the other side of the house and the wetlands and pond down below. It's not set up with a lot of continuity or flow between space to make for easy entertaining. This is especially troublesome if it rains where we won't be able to get people to and from the house and/or tent to the pots or the food or anything else easily. And it's an issue if anyone like gram or gramps has any mobility issues. I think I will talk to FOB again tonight ....

Love, love, LOVE, the marble. Thanks for posting the extra pictures. I have a little marble in my kitchen and desk area but I really like yours. Our bathrooms are very small (1930's small house) so I only have a tub/shower in the hall bath. The master is a small shower only. That's why I hesitate to take out the only tub in the house. I've just about decided to do it. If it's really wrong I guess I can always have a tub installed when we decide it's wrong. Here are pictures of my kitchen. After seeing your island a different color than the perimeter cabinets I may have to paint mine. I really like yours. I am not really happy with the wall colors in these rooms but haven't fallen in love with a different color so I haven't changed it yet. http://www.pbase.com/cjw/my_finished_kitchen

Mscippy I too like doing things myself. If DH wants to help - great - if not, get the heck out of my way. Seriously. DH works his butt off doing what he does and works a lot at home to keep up on the industry changes - computer network guru consultant - he has spent hours and hours at home studying and it's finally paying off in his salary...so when he's home honestly I'd prefer to see him wind down a bit. He is also building my upper kitchen cabinets - something I'm clueless about... Things are never 50/50 in relationships - more like 40/60 on both sides depending upon the topic. I don't sweat the small stuff - if I feel like doing it I do it. If I don't it sits. I tried working in the computer industry and started with the same courses at the same time...DH excelled and ate it up for breakfast while I studied and struggled. Not my cup of tea at all. I do enjoy scrubbing stuff clean because of the feel good factor afterwards and it's my 'free at home' work out. It's still fun on occasion to throw my arms in the air and walk away. The look on his face far exceeds the value of any diamond in this world to me! I live for those comical moments! LOL to DH.