oh and Tom, I gave my everglades tomato plant to a friend who was visiting from Orlando a few months ago when I started the moving process and she says she is getting fruit and loves it, so thanks, I'll be starting a new one for my garden next. I did grow any this summer, missed them dearly :-( That won't happen again.... I'm trying a Sara's Galapagos now but none of the fruit are ripe yet...I'll be surprised if it really is different. Tom

Kat - I need to use "International" stamps. I called and asked if I could just, say, use more of these on each envelope. There was a long pause, then the guy basically implied I was a trouble maker and should just buy international stamps like a normal person ROFLMAO! If I weren't so lazy, I would ask my BIL to get US stamps and actually mail them over there because he drives over to work every day. But that would entail a whole other phone call, getting him money and the cards, and sigh. No. It is just easier for me if you all would move.

melsouth and mdlm, I can't tell you how many times during these last few weeks that I've been stopped in my tracks by the thought of the whole house burning to the ground and losing much more than we did. My heart goes out to you. There really isn't anything to do but carry on, is there? melsouth, I know exactly what you mean about the PTSD. I've found it hard to remember people's names and feel like I'm walking in a fog. Before this, I felt pretty invincible. Now every time we leave the house, I feel like something is going to happen - car accident, whatever. Just don't feel safe. I really hope your insurance made good for you and things are going as well as they can. I will take the advice to be judicious in our decisions and get professional help. I tend to take the safe route and not make major leaps, so chances are that things will remain pretty much the same. Maintaining the character of the home is extremely important to us and it sounds like the insurance company is planning on factoring that into the cost of the restoration. I am seriously considering expanding that bathroom into our guest room. It wouldn't be a huge change to floor plans or anything and the plumbing already runs through that room. We rarely use the room (it just had a twin bed) and have a large finished basement with a powder room that guests can use in a pinch. Thanks again everyone for your support and suggestions. I really started this thread as a whim, but it has been so helpful to get your thoughts and advice.

Nosoccermom, I try to shop family-owned and local whenever possible. The table was purchased at a local New England furniture store called Circle Furniture. The table is 100 yr reclaimed chestnut from Vermont. I believe the manufacturer produces furniture and taps maple trees for syrup. Fun, huh? Here is the link. We went with painted black apron and legs: http://www.circlefurniture.com/products/dining/dining-tables/recalimed-dining