Goodmorning ladies...........The rain is through, still have the tail end of the front cloud cover but no rain. Still we're supposed to get in the upper 60's today....... Mid 80's on Tuesday and sunny starting tomorrow.

Have already got my joists installed this morning for the bracing needed for the chase wall. Getting ready to frame up the wall panels and get them in place.....a couple of hours and it will be complete.

Astraea, I can understand your feelings completely. I've gotten to the point where I read very few of the focus articles and even fewer of the design dilemmas. First off, most of the feature homes are not the norm for a majority of the readers. They're dreams for the majority of the readers. At times it's almost like an Amway publication........"See if you work hard, devote yourself to the plan, you too can have a home just like this 8000 sf mansion where you can spend $80k renovating your kitchen with the newest fad that says you've arrived....."

Secondly, if you can't pick out a color without getting a consensus of total strangers who will never have their shadow cross your threshold ..... maybe you shouldn't be painting anything at all. I pass over those dilemmas where somebody wants a full design for their entryway, color of the front, furniture or pillows, and don't have an idea what to do with their fireplace.

I will answer those questions that interest me where somebody needs help for a problem (construction), an installation defect or have questions as to contractor performance or those type issues............unfortunately, it appears that those are getting fewer and further between.............I fear Houzz is quickly becoming the McDonald's drive thru for design directions or billboard for reps to sell their wares or services.

Quite honestly, my reason for coming here now is more for this forum ..... it's fun, it's a break and I love to give the hens an occasional loving jab..........(hoochie mommas)........

Need to get busy.............BBL folkies........