Cameron I hear ya! The weather is so stinkin hot we can't do much but try and stay busy in the house. I retired in late 2002 and have never missed it. After 36 years working for the Fed Gov't I'd had my belly full. This is always the hardest time of the year for me because of the weather. The older I get the less I can do in the heat, therefore, I can't get into the garden like I want to. Plus I fuss every year because I don't cut back and/or pull out plants as I should and around this time it begins to look like a jungle. I hate that. I like a full look but not an overgrown unkept look. Alas, this too will pass and we'll be boo hooing about the cold weather, LOL :-). Vikki

Terri, that was a very fun link. I meant to take a quick look too, and ended up reading most of her blog. Saved it so I can check out some of her links as time permits. Thanks for sharing it. Here is one section of her blog where she shares something her MIL used to do--it seemed quite a good suggestion for some of us too. Take a look: "My mother in law likes to entertain one on one. She'll invite a girlfriend over for lunch or for dinner. She has easily half a dozen sets of dishes that only have two place settings. Sure makes storing them easier and whatever your mood you have the appropriate dinnerware." She goes on to state that her Mom loved to entertain and had bought place settings for 60! I can't even imagine that! Wow! I liked her writing style too, and saved the idea about the silver tray with candles, silver ornaments and greenery. Right up my alley, so to speak! LOL Can't wait to browse on there more, but I better get busy doing things around this place today--waaay to easy to stay on this computer too much! Luvs

The problem with the internet is too many people automatically believe anything received in an email, or a text and won't do any research to see if something is true. No wonder people lose their life savings, cars, homes and more. And now I'm seeing people going around spreading hoaxes for medical treatment! It's disgusting that people are so stupid and gullible and more disgusting that they will spread this manure and potentially risk lives and livelihoods of other people. The web is a great place to express opinions, solicit opinions, gain knowledge, research, etc. But you also need to beware of people who post misinformation, lies and try to deceive people to further their causes. I also see a lot of writings where people have an interest in promoting something. Even here on the forum I see people who have demonstrated a relationship with for instance a store and defend it to the death and promote it to the hilt. Others are dead-set on promoting certain software or otherwise rather than giving unbiased opinions. Everyone has their favorites, but mixing in a bias is problematic to credibility. As far as I'm concerned if I read something much goes to the credibility of the author. I know people who do some blogs and some of them are things about cooking, or their travels or whatever. I certainly don't use them as reference unless I do some checking on it. Assume they're primarily fiction and until proven true, don't bet the retirement fund on it and you'll be much safer.

Awnings were almost a must have in climates with strong sun or houses with a certain orientation to the sun, back before central AC was the norm. I believe more people would employ awnings and other conservation techniques and home improvements if they understood the energy savings that would result. And I agree, Oak, it's not just about the bottom line, they do add style to a home's appearance! I like awnings so much I used them over the plantation shutters in the public rooms of our first Florida house. They were traditional green and white stripe canvas and were the driving design element of that house. The dining room had French doors that opened onto a walled courtyard with a tiled fountain, and the interior awning made the space look like a cafe... I still miss it.