Hi Schmoopie, Were you able to find someone to help you with your surround yet?

Maybe this pro can point you in the right direction? http://www.houzz.com/pro/shunnisett/ridalco

Thanks Emily! I will check them out. Unfortunately, I have put most of the house projects on hold, as my Dad has been ill. Also, still "waffling" on metal vs. natural stone. Perhaps when things settle, I can send pics.

Dear schmoopie2, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad was my decorating "partner in crime" for many years, and without him it's been hard to get myself motivated with my own projects. Give him lots of hugs and lots of love and cherish him always. Best wishes for his recovery and for your upcoming holidays.

Thank you, Cynthia, for your kind thoughts..Dad had part of his colon removed on Thursday Dec. 21, due to cancer. Unfortunately, the local hospital is under quarantine due to an influenza outbreak, so we can't see him. However, his nurse reports that he is "chipper". At 87 years of age, we'll take that update any day!!! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I saw your reply on my phone early this morning, but I can't reply from my phone. You've been on my mind all day, and I wish you and your Dad all the best. You'll have to have a second Christmas when he's home to enjoy it. In the meantime, I'm glad he's coping well. Take care, schmoopie2!
Cynthia xxx

We got the greatest news!! Dad is being discharged on Monday morning, so we will have the best Christmas EVER!!! The doctors are amazed at his progress, and I'm certain all the prayers and kind thoughts from everyone around us helped to pull him, and us, through this very difficult time. Again, sincere thanks from our house to yours..Merry Christmas!!!!

I'm so glad for you! What a fantastic Christmas story--this is what warms the heart the most: families that love and appreciate each other. Would you do me the honour of giving him a big hug from me? Tell him I'm one of the ones whose been rooting for him from afar. God bless you each and every one. Merry Christmas schmoopie2 xxx

Every area has wonderful metal smiths. Google ornamental iron in your area.

Cynthia, I will happily give him a hug from you!! Grover, thank you so much for your kind thoughts....Folks like you make it so clear that there are so many compassionate, gentle people out there. These days, especially, it seems we just need to be stronger than the darker forces that seem to invade our lives. Bless all of you, particularly those who are struggling with loss. Merry Christmas to you all!!

Cynthia, just wanted to let you know that Dad is doing great! When he started to feel up to it, I showed him some encouraging notes, including your hug :) He actually teared up and was so touched by the thoughtfulness of people he didn't even know. Thanks again for your kind words. Also wanted to congratulate you on being chosen as a preferred designer for Mike Holmes; what a wonderful honour and opportunity. Richly-deserved, I'm sure!! Best wishes to you and yours...Schmoopie2

I have goose bumps schmoopie. You are so lucky to have your Dad back in great shape. He sounds like a real softie (like my Dad surely was) and I'm quite touched to know that you delivered the hug to him in person!

Thank you also about the Mike Holmes "thing". You may notice that I've taken that off my profile. The program has been delayed due to technical challenges but they assure me that it's going to launch soon. In the meantime, we've been asked to remove it from our profiles and websites websites. Argh! I hope it will be ready to go as of March. I'm excited because I anticipate it will be a good ongoing source of new clients. General advertising has never worked for me, but networking does. I see the Mike Holmes referral program as the best network ever!

Take care and keep nice and warm. Big snowstorm coming tomorrow, they say...

Continued Best Wishes,
Cynthia xxx