We had a great time - almost didn't make it b/c of DS but took the chance since he has felt fine since noon and never vomited, only felt nauseated. She and her DH were so surprised to walk in with my mom and find 8 of us sitting there. My DD *had* to tell the waitress at the end what we were celebrating - everyone but me cracked up when she said "Because she's done with something *here*" while patting her chest. I was mortified. Had to take the cake back to their house b/c the restaurant was so crowded,people standing at the door waiting for a table, and then I was embarrassed again as the waitress caught us as we were walking out the door - we paid combo gift certificate and cash, and since they *didn't* add the 18% tip into the bill I figured it (before tax) but then forgot to add the tax back in! So I was short $7...she had enough to pay the bill, but then it would have ended up only 10.5% tip so she came up and asked for $11 more after *she* figured the 18% (on the whole bill incl. tax). Of course she made it *sound* like I had shorted her on the *bill* and not just her tip... roselvr - I'm sorry, I know DH's son hasn't been that helpful, how are you two doing?

Project scope and critical path planning. This is the task you are facing. This is what is needed to be created. If you can have your "crew" over and get reliable and detailed info based on getting your collective heads together, then do that. If not, then a professional such as a contractor or architect or designer should be called in to fulfill this duty. The grand plan should include the entirety of the scope of work, and then break this down into the logical order of completion, timelines for each segment, when things can overlap and when one aspect must be completed in full before another can begin. Budgets for each segment, with contingencies and alternates would be considered here as well. Then of course the master plan adds up to the master budget which has to be found to begin. The goal is to not un-do something to do something else, to make sure that the outcome is what is envisioned, to make sure that funds are available for satisfactory completion, and to schedule the trades for both materials specifying, ordering, and installation. Example is that the electrical and HVAC work would probably be one of the first to be done. But a preliminary selection of appliances in the kitchen and elsewhere would factor into any changes at the panel and running main lines into the spaces. Same idea with plumbing. You don't need to know the exact faucet, but an idea of how many sinks would be important for the rough-in. And find out what aspects will need to be inspected, who is going to get permits and handle inspections, and if and when a stamped engineer drawing may be needed to pass inspection. So timeline and money. And have fun and enjoy your new house. And remember my earlier advice. A nice new gas grill and patio set to keep everyone from losing it! Sitting in a chair with a cold drink looking at a lake is the big idea here, yes?

Rita... Positive vibes coming your way to share with your Mom. It is unbelievable how fast they discharge patients. You would think in your mom's case, considering her age and medical history they would have kept her a day or two. I look back...I spent 5 days in the hospital after both my sons were born (1981 & 1984), however, when I had my lumpectomy in 1999 and the 2nd cancer surgery in 2003, I was sent home within 4 hours of my surgery. I have excellent insurance too!

They definitely won't give her ice chips Cynic, in case one goes down the wrong way and gets stuck in her lung. Then it's back to square one. OJ, I've never posted her name, but what the heck..... Gotta tell you this story about my ex-hubs. He had a sense of humour as well. At the time, my cat of 14 yrs died. Mom wanted to give us something in memory of her. She was going to give us money to plant a tree, but we didn't have room for another one. I didn't think I'd get another cat, after losing Peanut, but it was lonely without one. We saw one in the paper, and mom gave us the $50 for it, if we liked him. One the way home, with the cat and his belongings, we didn't like his name, and wanted to re-name him. DH said "Let's call him after your Mom." I said You want to call the cat NORMA??!. He said.....Noooo, Biddy; after "The Old Biddy." LOLOL Mom thought that was hilarious, and Biddy was Biddy till he died this year.