I think we made a huge error by building a 4 bedroom house for our family of 5, then finding out I was pregnant two weeks after we moved in. Two of the four kids share a room, and we have tried varying which two share, but it is always a sore point for whomever is sharing. Even a 3 bedroom would have been better, because then everyone would have to share. We didn't spend the extra $500 for a full egress window in the basement, because we didn't plan to ever have a bedroom down there. Maybe it will turn out to be character-building for the kids :) Oh, and we also put our fireplace on the wrong wall of our family room - wish we could change that, too! And finally, I didn't care for the paint and tile at your new house when I first looked, but I think it was because I saw the picture at the old house first. After stepping back a bit, and scrolling down so the first picture didn't show, I like it, too. I think the others are right that it is a different, but equally nice, look.

It's a sad situation and when you've been with someone for that long, starting over seems close to impossible. I was in a similar situation a few years ago. When my best friend died of cancer at age 49, something clicked in me and I knew my marriage would soon end. I finally realized that this was the only life I was going to get, and it was up to me to make it what I wanted it to be. And I wanted to experience joy, fulfillment, and independence for the first time. I couldn't do that as long as I was in the unhealthy relationship, blaming him, feeling sorry for myself, and building resentment. I didn't like the person I had become. Leaving the security of marriage was scary, lonely, and difficult, but now, five years later, I'm much happier, more useful to the ones I love, and I've found a real, honest, respectful and loving relationship with a man that I never dreamed was possible. My ex-husband is happier, too. I'm not telling you to leave, but I do urge you to do some self-exploration and find out who it is that you want to be for the rest of your life. The years go by fast and we never know how many we have left. Good luck.

Hi -- I just thought someone out there may be wondering how this turned out. The foundry confirmed that it was brass and said they could cast a replacement part for $65. I thought that seemed very reasonable, considering the labor involved and that this is the Boston area. It'll take a few weeks because they'll do it the next time they're pouring brass. That was fine with me, since it's likely to take me that long to find an electrician to hang it.

I'm working on a web site now and putting together samples of many cabinet styles and butcher block tops. I won't put up the web site until those are finished. The piece pictured above is an older piece I had sitting around. The newer version has slightly different proportions. The top is thicker, as are the slats and bottom rails. Also, the finish is different. There are many different configurations: closed cabinets; open pot racks on one end or both; cantilevered top for seating, etc., in many different finishes and styles. You can basically get anything you want. My email is johndisanto@earthlink.net. I'll answer your questions from there.