Welcome to SFG. You should never bother to feel silly. I have been gardening my whole life and still make mistakes. Gardening is really an experiment. Sometimes the best combinations happen by accident. We had some real nice weather and I went and planted my tomatoes last week, thinking that I could just cover them if it got too cold. Well, it did get cold and I covered them. Then we got gusts of up to 60mph and my cover got blown off. There was no way to rectify it. So the best laid plans sometimes don't pan out. Just have fun and see what works out. Last year I planted some companion plants to deter bugs. I had to rip most of them out because they were too large for the veggies. So, if things get to big, just sacrifice a few. Have fun, Keski

I'm sorry to hear of your mom's troubles, Clare. And I'm really sorry for you-- when it rains, it pours!! Thank goodness she has settled down a bit and hopefully the thought of "getting out" will keep her doing what she's supposed, or not supposed to do. My mom spent a week in a rehab place this past fall after minor back surgery and surprised us all by almost enjoying it. She lives alone and is fairly self-sufficient so having to be there was not palatable to her. But she made friends fairly quickly and was in quite a good mood when I spoke to her (I live 600 mi away.) Of course, she was ambulatory, but your mom will get to that point soon enough. If I can sound bossy, ask your sister to keep good tabs on what the staff is doing and not doing and make sure that your mom is actually eating. A lot of the times the food isn't too good and patients' conditions can deteriorate if they aren't eating much. And have your sister double-check meds given too. Sorry 'bout that! Are you feeling better today? I wished I lived closer to you so we could meet for coffee. You've had a full plate and need some support! Erin

The one thing to check, I think, is if the GC was trying to warn you off. Does he really want to work over the holidays? Do his subs? Are they taking their kids on vacation just when you thought they'd be working? The GC might want the job too much to tell you no-can-do, and figure he can probably make it work out, rather than being eager for your start date. If you're sure he and the subs are on board, go for it! And maybe add an incentive bonus for them to be done, cleaned up and signed off by January 25 (sooner if that's the quote), which gives you a week to get your act together before your party. Plus a penalty if it's not done by February 1. It can be done if everyone's on board. I only worry that less than 2 months over the holidays is awfully tight, if you really want them done in time for the party.

Thank you for your opinion and advise. I really wanted to rearrange my appliances because I would actually gain more storage space. If I move my refrigerator I install a full length pantry or mid length pantry with a cabinet below. If I move the refrigerator where my stove is now I could install a full length cabinet and place my broom, mop and etc inside. When I do remodel my kitchen I want white cabinets with brown and white and/or cream countertops. I think my cabinets are too old and ugly. Would you recommend that I paint my cabinets first? If I do paint my cabinets how would I spruce them up and make them look more current? What type of paint, brush and etc would you suggest I use? Is it a better idea to rearrange the appliances or keep them the way they are. Look forward to your advice and opinion. I will also forward some pictures of how I would like to remodel my kitchen Thanks