Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I didn't do a lot because I really couldn't between a busted finger and my other BIG bobo. We had the best weather today that we have had in a very long time so sat outside on the louge chair with dear dog, Elvira, and took an afternoon snooze in the sun. Boy, that felt good. Sometimes the simple things are the best. Clare

The one thing to check, I think, is if the GC was trying to warn you off. Does he really want to work over the holidays? Do his subs? Are they taking their kids on vacation just when you thought they'd be working? The GC might want the job too much to tell you no-can-do, and figure he can probably make it work out, rather than being eager for your start date. If you're sure he and the subs are on board, go for it! And maybe add an incentive bonus for them to be done, cleaned up and signed off by January 25 (sooner if that's the quote), which gives you a week to get your act together before your party. Plus a penalty if it's not done by February 1. It can be done if everyone's on board. I only worry that less than 2 months over the holidays is awfully tight, if you really want them done in time for the party.

I have not scheduled surgery yet and am ignoring the suggestion of having them both done at once. When I was a newly graduated RN I worked ortho for a year ( some disasters but hips have come along way) and my mom had a horrible hip replacement outcome, so I am putting it off for as long as I can. Don't wait so long you are too out of shape ... it's best done while you are still reasonably spry with muscle strength left for rehab instead of totally crippled and weak. And before you have wrecked the surrounding support muscles and tendons compensating for the pain and lack of mobility. (SO has a prosthetic knee, his brother has 2 of them, and another brother has a hip replacement he loves). Yes, it's come a LONG ways, even using 3-d imaging and custom manufacture of the prosthetics if needed. They can build a copy of the joint, figure out exactly how things need to be altered and dry-fit the prosthesis without ever lifting a scalpel.

I have few suggestions - not about plant yet: The container...it is very nice but probably not most practical since it recurves on top and is quite narrow. It will cause bit of a problem whenever repotting. If my, I would keep just 1 plant in it. It is easier to use containers wider on the top. More practical problem for you... It is advised to make sure there is good drainage - well draining soil and drainage hole in the container. There are ppl that grow succulents in containers without drainage hole very well, but I would suggest that they are very experienced and knowledgeable and can provide best conditions for their plants. Jades respond to very drastic pruning, we even call it whacking. There are many threads on subject of whacking here. Severe pruning and often no leaves left at all. Your plant looks very nice but IMO it is little etiolated. That happens if plant wants more light. Branches keep growing fast, skinnier than if more light was available, and the leaves are spaced further apart. I would say that you did good job pruning. If the result doesn't please you, plant could be pruned further. Bu it is difficult to suggest where to cut: everyone has different idea as how they want their plant to look, so you really need to know how do you want it to look in the long run (not so easy!). It also takes a while before new growth fills in and you can really see new shape. I can only tell you what I would do if my plants: I would pot them separately - that way each plant has plenty of room to grow in each direction. I would make sure there is lots of light - if not enough available, it will continue growing in very similar way. If not enough indoors, maybe you should consider adding supplemental lights. Many of us do, light coming thru the windows is not as strong as it would be outdoors. I also put them outdoors, into full sun, as soon as it is warm enough. If you can't or don't want to, supplemental light indoors may be of great help. I would most likely shorten few long branches - but that is personal preference. I would make sure plant is in fast draining potting mix and provide drainage hole. I never fertilized my jades, and they grow just fine. Few of them bloomed first time this year, these are not very old plants (perhaps 5-6 (?) yrs old, I got them quite small - definitely smaller than your plants - 4yrs ago). Your choice - but IMO, fertilizing plant that grows in less light only makes it to grow fast and thin. Your choice :) At this point, maybe you should leave them pruned as they are. They should start growing new leaves and branches. It may take 3-6 weeks before you see new growth; how long since you did pruning?