Sailorman - I'll try to address some of the issues you brought up. Yes, we've definitely considered practically every scenario (as well as asked our contractor) as far as why the project started going downhill. That's not to say that it was perfect at first, just that we at least made significant progress over the first 3 months, compared to very little the past 3 1/2. As far as we can tell (we can only go with what info we are given), there is nothing going on with him personally that would affect the job this much. Other than the financial mess of course. As for that, we've offered to work with him in any way possible, short of simply coughing up more money than was even in the bid when he has no idea (or isn't saying) where it has gone. We've gone way over budget in many areas, but that's accounted for - we knew that would be the case when we started. As for the not showing up for the job, well, in my opinion, that's not acceptable for any reason. I sometimes have to work with people that I'd rather not and I can't just decide not to show up for my job several days a week and NOT EVEN CALL! And if I specifically say that I will be there the next day (such as on the weekend), I will either be there on time or at least call with a GOOD (meaning something more than I just didn't feel like it) excuse. I don't consider us to be difficult to work with as homeowners and if anything, we're probably more guilty of being too friendly and accommodating, so he's become accustomed to that. Lastly, as for project delays, we'll take blame for anything we cause such as deciding to make major changes or not being able to decide on something quickly enough, however so far that has not been the case. During the project, we've taken care of ordering every single thing in a timely manner including sinks, faucets, lighting, tile, appliances, etc and all have been sitting in our house for months. The cabinets are waiting to be intalled and granite has also been sitting at the fabricator's warehouse for months. So...not sure what else we could do to move this along. Sorry - I don't mean to sound defensive. It's just very frustrating to realize at this point that we might as well have served as our own GC and avoided any additional fees! I do appreciate the input and suggestions!

If you are talking about email spam I don't get any. I used an address that was unique with letters and numbers which made to no sense at all to anyone or any software they use..... but me. Some people use their name or parts of it with numbers and there is software out there than get your email from that and forwards. Anyone I give my email addy to is told "don't send me forwards". I also tell every one who puts me on an email list to use BBC so the address is not exposed. The few I did get I blocked on my servers email site. The companies that sent me info that I didn't want I unsubscribed and I was told that just lets them know you have a working email. All the companies like that have stopped sending the emails. Always have at least 2 email addresses and use one for family and friends and one for the net. I once got an email with over 50 email addresses exposed. I did the "reply to all" and told them to look at all of their exposed email addresses. I also explained about BBC. One person emailed me about it and asked what BBC is. another guy emailed me and said "where did you get me email address". I told he it was exposed in the list of addresses at the top of his message. He apologized and thanked me for letting him know. That had to have been bouncing around the net months or years.

My son brought it home and I picked it up from him. Literally, I made him lunch, he was too sick to eat it, it sat for an hour so I picked up a bean chip, dipped it in the hummus, realized the chip had no crunch and asked "Did you eat the chips?" and he said he tried one and put it back. He is 7 and I should know better than touch his food. I knew from the lack of crunch that was the chip I ate was the one he put back. I had a fever within 24 hours and for the next four days that followed. I wasn't sure if I was getting shingles but I think they are just fever blisters. I was honestly too sick to go to the doctors to find out or even care. Rest, rest and more rest. I hit my peak and now it is recovery time. Epsom salt baths helped a lot plus I was having up to three hot showers (just sitting on the floor of the shower) a day to clear my sinuses and chest and have a cool mist humidifier on at night. I used apple cider vinegar on my blisters and that has helped a lot too. I would take Nyquil for a full night sleep. Also Vicks on the feet and a heating pad and lot's of TV. Also honey and tea for the throat. Take care, I got hit hard (probably worst a flu has ever affected me) but not nearly as hard as what you seem to be going through.

Back from doctor. Sigh. As some of you know I only see a doctor for flu or pneumonia. .I've had no insurance until...recently I was approved and received my card a few days ago in the mail. So today during my visit the doctor I'm now assigned to examined me...she felt my neck and had me swollow...stood back saying WHOA..swollow again. Than she said you either have thyroid disease or a growth. I'm to have a ultrasound. Shes displeased with my weight loss. Since my flu last winter I've lost 36 pounds...not drastic if I was trying but I haven't tried I just don't eat well. Nothing tastes good and after a few bites it gags me. They are doing a colonoscopy and a scope down into my gut. I'm to see a lung doctor and a hemo for my lupus anticoagulant. ..I saw concern in her eyes. I liked her. I will do as she says but I have a bad feeling. I guess to be continued.