I think turning the theater so that the back seats use the space at the bottom of the stairs is an improvement. However, it doesn't make sense to have so much space wasted with the new halls. The new plan seems confining, while the old one was open and friendly. And why would you want the elliptical out in the family room when you have company?? Going back to your first plan, but with the theater changed as in the second plan, can the utilities be moved? If so, could you extend the theater wall straight across to the right all the way to the opposite wall at the angle, and have that long space be for your shuffleboard (although it does seem like a place for exercise equipment would take precedence over shuffleboard based on amount each would be used). Or instead perhaps, extend the wall behind the fireplace down to the opposite wall where the other angle is, and make that the shuffleboard area--it would be a wider area than the other area I just mentioned. And you could glass in the part of the wall that's not by the utilities, and separate them from the exercise room with a wall. It looks like your wife wants to be by the window with the exercise equipment, but wouldn't it be better to have a less than ideal exercise room than to not have one at all? Ours is about the same distance as yours would be from the windows, and I'm happy enough just having some daylight get to the room. The other reason I think the first plan is better is because with the theater changed, you could move the game table closer to the theater wall, since there could be times that more seating might be desired near the sofa in the rec room. In the second plan, that possibility doesn't exist with the game table so close. Also in the second plan, it's rather unwelcoming to come into the seating by the fireplace by having to first go around the back of the sofa. And the door outside is in a better place in the first plan. I'd still put a closet in the office by taking some space from some of the cabinets at the back of the bar. Anne

Can't wait! AMC was running a marathon of previous seasons today and I was babysitting 8 week old grandson Patrick. We watched about 45 minutes together before he had to take a nap. He promised me he wouldn't have nightmares.

Hah roxsol! I was thinking this morning that that's a perfect line for our remodels: Just Survive Somehow. What a great episode - much better than the season opener I thought. Go Carol!! Linelle - I went through a few months of nightmares (I was never one to watch zombie movies-but now think I probably could, and scoff!) but eventually, it becomes all about the people and just as addictive as your favorite book/tv/move series. I've watched the first episode 4/5? times.. it's that good.

Yes, I think it is that type of wilt, although I really haven't seen any cucumber beetles. The leaves haven't been eaten, they look full and healthy and then they wilt in the heat of the day. I thought they needed water, and since they recovered overnight I figured it just had to do with the heat but then even in the morning they were wilted and have started shriveling and turning yellow/brown. I'm pretty sure I read that the bacteria effects the soil and you aren't supposed to plant in it until it has been treated.