This thread has been interesting! One change we're currently working on, is putting cedar raised beds around the perimeter of our patio. [Two sides, actually; the other two sides are the outside walls of our house and entryway.] My DH and boys have been working on them this week, and I can hardly wait to start planting veggies, flowers, and herbs in them! I'm a newbie to potager gardening, [2 experimental yrs.!] so I must admit, I'm not sure my hodge podge of plants will look very "coordinated"! I guess I'll just dive in and start planting, and see what works! One challenge I have: Because of a gigantic oak, the area is shaded until 2 or 3, then gets blasted with afternoon sun. I have some sweet peas that I'd love to incorporate, but I'm not sure they'll appreciate that! Any ideas? I wanted some fragrant plants out there as well, since we often use the space in the evening, with candlelight, music, ect.... So far, my "hodge podge" consists of Jasmine in windowboxes, a few White Ginger Lilies, a trellis of Confederate Jasmine [against the house], [wonderful vine, BTW!] a climbing Don Juan rose [also against the house], cherry tomato plants, basil, lemon verbena, a few peppers, lettuce and mixed greens......and of course, the sweet peas, which are already flowering in their overgrown pot.

Adellabedella, I have to comment on your name. I mean this is the BEST way because I love these books but your name reminds me of the childrens books Amelia Bedilia. :) When my dad built his house he added an access panel to the wall behind the tubs which backed up to his closets so when/if he ever had plumbing problems he had access and didn't have to tear into the sheet rock. I have noticed in my neices newly built home that all the walls and ceilings are ONE color which I didn't like at first but it's seemless and in a way soothing. They painted the garage as well which I like because it doesn't show dirt as easily as white and reminds me of your garage. My sister also told us to add MORE LIGHTS and she said you can never have too many outlets (well maybe but have plenty) so we will do that, too. I hope you find a solution for your library door locks. Srercrcr - I like the idea of a larger propane tank. What a good idea. I'm glad you got your house after that many years of planning. I have a good friend who built about 4 years ago and I kept telling him "how can you leave your house where your kids grew up" and aren't you going to be sad to leave - but he told me over and over that he was SO excited about leaving and starting his new life. I couldn't understand at the time but now that we've sold and are finally coming to the point of building I completely understand. gopintos - I LOVE light too and our recently sold house was dark and cavelike for many years then we added a huge window and glass front and garage door (Which we found out later wasn't really up to code) but we were in the country and I loved having it since most people came to our back door anyway. I'm sure no one will notice or mention the arch over the front door so I know you'll learn to love it as is. I wrote down that saying and will print it out and keep it with me as I tend to second guess my choices. bdpeck - I never gave one thought to the venting so that's now on my list of make sure it's done right. I hope your mystery electrical issues aren't serious. That would make me crazy. I'd like to ask how many others put the small returns in each bedroom and what difference it makes. mairin - I'm very OCD too and I'd need my lighting in a line as you. I find structure and symmetry are calming to me. My just sold house had NO laundry room. It had a bi-fold door in my breakfast area. I HATED IT! When we were young and only doing 2 loads a week it wasn't so bad but after 19 year of having dirty clothes in my kitchen and eating area I promise I'll have an outhouse before I give up or have a small laundry room. LOL There's 2 things that are must haves for me: a man cave for all stuff and a decent size laundry room. I've reallly enjoyed reading everyones stories. I'd love to hear more. I have to tell you that I've lived in Texas most of my life (off and on 49 years) and this is the first time our lake has frozen this much since I've lived here. There is 20 feet of ice around the edges this morning. It's 2 inches thick with ice up the tree trunks and the base of the piers where the wind was blowing so hard the water Texas! Yesterday morning the wind chill was 5 BELOW zero here. I lived in Maine for 2 years and this reminds me of that time - but I left there who still lives in Maine that we need to move back there to thaw out. I'm sure many of you are having the same thing. Tomorrow is supposed to be better for us. Hope you all get some relief soon. Sunny

hello MY CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME. and they brout so many wonderful friends with them. I just love my great quilt, I cant post any picks due to problems with my computer but everyone did an absolute great row for my quilt. thanks so much and big HUGGS to you all. I hope the rest will soon be home too. michelle

How I Loooooove these cat stories!! I couldn't help getting a few tears in my eyes but so many more laughs!!! At 73, I can't say I ever remember a time I didn't have at least one weaving in and out of my legs, tail up, meowing either for attention or food. A few even tried to use me as a scratching post !lol My bff in IL takes in rescues, and at the moment has 21 or 22. The 100 yo historic home she bought 9 years ago came with 2 separate garages, one housing the majority of the kitties, the other is used for storage, but she always keeps the big door open a foot at the bottom, and knows *other* critters take part in the 'vittles' also. Sthe has either 4 or 5 in the house, one being a mama cat w/7 kittens, the very start of her rescue 'mission'. She gave away 2 of those kittens(after neutering!),and never stopped regretting it. They have all found a forever home with her. Her vet/food costs are insane, and when I visited in the summer we found worms in one of the litter pans, and in a two day period, took every cat into the vet to be dewormed. That was $400. It's neverending work! Whenever I call she's scooping, feeding, or rocking one of them in the old rocking chair that was moved out to the garage. She also donates to almost every animal organization known to man, even if it's only $5. She's a one-woman rescue shelter, and I wish I were closer to help. We always say we like animals more than people because animals can't help their situatuon, but people usually can.