Well, A girl has to know what I missed!!! What was it like??? From the posts, everyone seems like they looked, but didn't see anything that they couldn't live without.... Around the coast here in Bandon, I am begining to see lots of rocks (hardscape) showing up in front yards as a means (I guess) to easy up keep. But, boy, to me it's, hum... I should say... Please "Plant" some trees at lease... or you paid "what" for that!!! Silly me, I would like to hear what you all saw... Faith

That title certainly caught my attention!!! (see link to my April post below) First let me tell you how sorry I am about your losing your 11 year old buddy to CRF & cancer.. I've been through that..:( This said I wish I had given more consideration to the cats I adopted. 6 MONTHS later, my older Calico cat has not yet accepted them, and we have an upstairs/ downstairs situation!! You do not say whether your remaining cat is a female or male. That could be an element in your decision... Some thoughts: 1. it might be easier if you took in 2 cats that came together to the shelter and already know each other, to avoid the risk of having a 3-way fight. It also would be great to keep 2 'buddy' cats together. I always wonder how stressful it might be for them to be separated... I have to admit, too, that it is wonderful to see our 2 'sisters' groom each other, snuggle against each other..etc 2. You have to realize younger cats (like the ones I adopted--2 sisters, about 18 months old) will be very, very energetic!! My 2 had been at the shelter for almost a year, and when I got them home they unleashed all the energy they had not been able to display in a crowded small area (not in a cage)... Oh boy, the running they did!!!!... They have now calmed down a little, but this drives our older cat crazy! She is the aggressive one, not the 2 sisters. 3. An older cat is set in her habits and might not accept new comers (wish I had listened more carefully to the suggestions of some wise posters... you can read them below). All this said, each cat is different of course (and a Calico is not a very accepting cat --I see this over and over at the shelter where I volunteer. Hope your older cat is not a Calico ).. However, if I may have any suggestions, observe the cats you are thinking of carefully, and also consider 2 older cats that came together.. we always seem to get some at our shelter.. we have a wonderful duo right now.. Anyway, whomever you go for, give it a chance and just be patient... Congratulations on your decision! Anne-Marie Here is a link that might be useful: Adopting 2 cats.. questions

I have a 15 in mixer lift cabinet and 12 in cutting board pull out cabinet. The rest are all drawers. My only regret is I should have made one of the dish drawers 2 shallow ones instead of a deep one. It is glorious to have all my pots and pans in drawers! They are better organized, they do not attack me when pulling them out, and I don't have to get down on the floor to see them. Dishes are fantastic in drawers too, no more reaching! I can see all my gadgets in shallow drawers, my knives are out of sight, and I even just put my spices in a drawer. What on earth does he think you must put in cabinets? I was a bit nervous at first since I've only ever known cabinets, but I'm a complete convert now! It's just like having all the fance pull outs inside the cabinets, but you don't have to open the door first. I bet it's just new for him.

UPDATE: After talking to this contractor and knowing others who used him and sung his praises, we did end up doing both bathrooms at the same time! This guy was AMAZING. Organized and neat, showed up when he said he would, his subs were great... there was someone on the job Monday-Saturday. He was like the unicorn of contractors, lol. He estimated 3-4 weeks and was 99% done in 3 1/2 weeks. The only time in my life I have ever gotten an accurate time estimate from a contractor! Both baths ripped down to the studs on a Monday, rough electrical and plumbing done and inspected, wallboard up by Friday and plastered on Saturday. 3 weeks exactly from demo to 90% done and functional! Only a few minor blips in the process, nothing earth shattering. All in all, it was an ENTIRELY different experience than our last renovation. We are already getting an estimate to get some odds and ends done around the house, we would love to hire him again. We actually did really well sharing the 1/2 bath for 3 weeks. I bought clear shoeboxes at Target and gave one to each family member for their toiletries, since our half bath is smaller. We showered at the gym and at relatives nearby. Not warm enough in Boston yet to have to worry about a really smelly teenage boy so we were ok there, lol. Will share pics in another thread, but needless to say we are very happy with how they came out. And with that, I should go buy a lottery ticket! :D Lisa B.