zeebo, On re-reading, I think that I overdid the issue of getting back at your stepdad. The point that I meant to make, was that thermostats, etc. don't bite. It was stepdad that took a bite out of your psyche, years ago and the scars remain. It isn't thermostats that bite - it's stepdads (and others). Now - don't let a simple little thing like a mechanism, electronic device like a thermostat continue to get you all bent out of shape - the real biter is long gone. So - bury him, O.K.? Teach yourself, well, re-teach yourself, that thermostats aren't to be avoided/feared/whatever. I'm pleased that you have managed to get him, well, at least half-way buried, as far as a lasting influence in your life is concerned. As for concern with sticking our nose into the lives of others, being kind to your Mom by helping her, if it can be done easily and gently, to do some re-orienting of the way that she does things in her life might be helpful to her. In a psychic way, as well as the practical one of possibly helping her avoid a fall, for her life might well be happier if she can shake off the voice of the ghost of your stepfather - he may be long dead, but she hasn't got him well and truly buried, either, it seems to me. Or why wouldn't she run her life now like she did, in a more "reasonable" fashion, before he appeared on the scene? Help her become "modern" - it's the thing for women to be more independent, right? In conclusion, I hope that you can forgive me for sticking my nose into your life. I hope that you and yours have a great summer. ole joyful

I have very large windows and have hung drapery just to frame the window. Used a decorative rod (make sure you get one long enough) which has a middle support. I don't think it will look odd. Do you really need to keep the mini blinds for privacy? I think that they along with not enough material on either end, may be giving the long feeling between the drapes. ` Being white, long thin slats, and drapes so much darker? I think if you want blinds for that window, it may be better to go with a bigger slat blind. JCP often run sales on all of their window treatments. Perhaps you could use 3 sets, I think there are 3 windows comprised into that larger window over the sofa? Mixing holiday decs - not a fan, but if it makes you happy, I think you should do it seeing as it is your home. Also, do think your green is too minty (could be my monitor?). If you want retro, the avacado color posted is a great option. While I hate to paint, it is said it is the easiest thing to change (next to your mind, lol). I like your DR, but I would choose one of either the mad hatter mirror or the metal piece. Seems like they are competing and neither are winning when hung together. Oh, and can you send me the green glass piece on your coffee table, lol. Love it.

I respectfully suggest that you might be better served by teaching your kids not to leave things on, as opposed to an electrical solution that allows you to intervene in the issue remotely. I had the same issue, my children viewed a light switch and TV as something you turned "on" when you entered a room, then never touched again. IF I wanted a solution as you propose, Z-wave or similar would be my initial choice. Here is what I did-After failed attempts at verbal instruction, when I found a TV playing to an empty room I disabled it for a day, then 2 days etc. Lights that were left on resulted in lower wattage bulbs, to the point that my son had a 7w incandescent light for a brief period. The problem cleared up fairly quickly.

Oh, when you said "overlight with a fan" in your original post, I was thinking "bathroom light/fan in a damp environment". Reading the instructions from your fan, under the "lights do not work" section, I found: WARNING: Over lamping the fan will result in the fan lights shutting down until the proper wattage of bulbs are installed. Reset the lights by turning off the wall switch, breaker,or by remote. Replace bulbs with the correct wattage bulbs, turn the power on. So there is some sort of overwattage sensor. It is malfunctioned? Try removing ONE of the bulbs to reduce the wattage and see if they stay lit. If so, then you have the answer.