My mom is 83,widowed, ,not in good health. My brother lives with her,rent-free. He's a dead-beat dad,owes thousands in back child-support. Mom bailed him out once, to the tune of $20,000 he owed his kids, who live in another state and are now over 18. He is also the executor of mom's estate. For many reasaons, I don't want her to die. She owns a home worth probably $200,000, a colonial in a good neighborhood but the house is a fixer-upper at this point. The roof is bad, water leaks in the basement, kitchen was never updated since 1963. She also has about $250,000 in savings. I am worried that when she passes, my brother may try to get more than his fair share of the estate. There are 4 kids, 2 sisters, myself (another girl) and brother. So a four-way split will be involved. I have two worries: that brother may try to get more his share and that his share will be snatched away by the courts. Further, there are a few household belongings I would like to have for sentimental reasons, not greed. I once asked Mom if I could have a pair of lamps that used to be in my bedroom. She said "no, those are mine" so I have never asked for anything else. I don't want to upset her in any way, so I plan to get an attorney after she dies and try to see if another executor can be named, and to see exactly how "probate' applies. Anyone know of a good book that explains wills and estates? I assume laws vary depending on the state. We're all in New York.

hermustangs, if you'll read the "new to GW" thread below on this page (or if it's left this page by the time you read this, search for it) you'll find explicit instructions on how to post photos; very easy to do. I think you'll get many more responses if you include photos. I'm not good enough with colors personally to try to answer your questions without seeing the rooms. Good luck!

My miracle cure or prevention is grapefruit seed extract. It comes in a liquid extract or pills. The liquid drops are very bitter but it's more versatile and I don't run out as often. I dissolve some Airborne in a few ounces of water or warm water with honey and add 10-15 drops of grapefruit seed ext. and chug-a-lug it down or you can take the pills. I can't remember when I had a cold or flu get past the tickle in my throat, it's been years and I never take flu shots and haven't had the flu either. Cautionary note: Some people are allergic to grapefruit but I don't know anyone who is.

The built-in is beautiful. I have never seen an application like that. Unfortunately, it only accentuates the vault and all that wall with NOTHING. SOOO much wall and really nothing to be done with it. Interesting visual--your clocks, but I think they would make a bigger statement if displayed closer together. To me shelves are for books--mostly so I want to see a few of yours with some books, just because that is expected. The larger couch does appear to be too far away to really watch TV from. What is behind it? Is that a wall? Perhaps moving it in a closer L with the love seat would cozy things up and give you a new space for a games table or sofa table?