Okay, we're wandering onto shaky ground now. Beware gross generalizations about amending soil ... especially with so few details ... because following such advice can make soil problems WORSE! For example, whenever someone says to add "sand" to soil to loosen the texture, just what kind of "sand" are they recommending ... and just what kind of soil is the sand being added to? Course, sharp sand is different from fine grained sand, and performs differently in various soils. Besides, adding fine sand to heavy clay soil renders something akin to concrete. If you consult a soils classification pyramid, you will find it would take about 50% sand to change a heavy clay soil to anything approaching a "clay loam" and then only if the original soil had some silt content. The recommendation to add gypsum to soil may be even more reckless. Gypsum is a mineral product similar to lime. But lime is calcium carbonate and gypsum is calcium sulfate. So, where lime RAISES soil pH, gypsum LOWERS soil pH due to it's sulfate component. Gypsum has been used effectively where soils are salty, like where oil wells have spilled out saline water onto farmland. And since the sulfate in gypsum slightly acidifies soil, it could be used on alkaline soils out west. Before you add gypsum ... or ANY pH changing products to your soil for that matter ... GET A SOIL TEST and follow the soil scientist or extension agent's advice as to pounds per acre!!! Changing the pH of your soil changes the availability of minerals in the soil and your plants' ability to utilize various nutrients. For example, there are forms of chlorosis that look identical on the leaf, but are caused by deficiencies of different minerals caused alternately by too high or too low pH of your soil. Don't change the pH unless you are doing so based on science ... NOT FOLKLORE. I'm not sure what "jersey green sand" is ... except that it contains potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium and other trace minerals ... and sounds EXPENSIVE! You can get P, K, Fe, Mg, C and other trace minerals in less expensive forms of common fertilizers (chemical and organic) than those fancy schmancy green and white bags with the budget busting price stickers. To sum it up bluntly, I would beware of any seat-of-the-pants advice that is grossly general in nature, given without regard to locations and soil types, with testimonials implying that fully healthy, monster tomato plants can be grown in an unspecified source "commercial mix" of 50/50 "compost and sand" WITHOUT any additional nutrient source. Plain sand has little or no nutrient value, and "compost" from a "commercial" source may or may not hold sufficient nutrients depending on the source materials from which the compost was decomposed.

Yes -- an excellent idea -- and photos above! A horizontal beam or mouldings -- along the "top" of the actual walls -- will indeed help to finish the look of the space!! Even if this beam or wood trim were painted white -- the visible "weight" would help to complete the ceiling. And yes -- adding wood around the fireplace -- and a wider thicker mantel will help to beef up the look of the fireplace. As for the large cabinet -- perhaps if you added more dark or leather-bound volumes or books and darker objects to it -- to lend a "deeper" look to that end of the room? And look for some large old jars or jugs to add to the top of the bookcase -- again -- for additional visible weight. Jan at Rosemary Cottage

YOUR INSPECTOR IS CORRECT SANITARY TEE: Both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) prohibit installing a sanitary Tee on a horizontal line with the side opening going horizontal or vertical. Ref: IRC-3005.1 & UPC 706 2" RISER: Under the UPC a laundry sink is rated at 2DFUÂs and a 1-1/2" vertical line is rated at 2DFUÂs however; there is an exception in the code that states NO SINKS, URINALS OR DISHWASHERS..LAVS ARE OK. Under the UPC the maximum allowable length of a 1-1/2" waste arm is 3Â 6" measured from the trap weir to the vent opening. Ref: UPC table T10-1

I totally agree with the fact that as long as I am the one taking care of them, they will do as I say. I sometimes dread when they are coming over, but I can still laugh and joke with them, and even enjoy them alot. The boys were 2 and 4 when I met their father, they don't even remember a time when I was not around, so I luckily don't get the whole "you're not my mom thing." Also, the BM has absolutely no problem with me taking charge of the boys when my Dh is at work, or at any other time, lol. I do make them stop whatever they are doing, and fix whatever may be wrong, but its like its not sinking in. It really seems like as soon as you say something, it is gone from their heads. In brief explanation, for three years they did the whole, my mom and stepdad abuse me, and if you call, it will get worse. the BM was told that we were completely irresponsible, that my DS6 gets everything, they get nothing, blah, blah, blah. These kids seriously managed through manipulation of my DH and their BM to design their own life. Now I find out that her DH and I were BOTH saying this is a bunch of BS, but neither of them would listen. This is the pain that I refer to my DH going through. Finedreams: "plenty of biochildren don't do chores on time, where do they suppose to go?" I think lamom was saying that since I was having a hard time, and my DH is not here when they are, perhaps it would be better for them to spend more time with their BM than here with out their father. Which, don't get me wrong, I understand why you would say that. The only problem I would have with that is the fact that SS10 already has MAJOR jealousy over DS6, and I am afraid that sending him home cuz DH is gone would only make that worse. I do love the boys, just right now, I am having a bit of a resentment issue. Thats why I was asking for opinions. I really don't want them to see it.