Stunning photo, Alida! ... and

Alida!!! FLOPPER STOPPERS!

As for the fish, I sold the koi back to the pet store. Actually, it was more of a trade-in deal. I traded in the koi for fancy goldfish with long, fancy names. The goldfish should be happy in my pond indefinitely, whereas the koi would out grow it in about a year. Last time I was there (pet store), I recognized Peaches in the koi tank even though she was a good 2 inches longer than when I brought her back. Such a sweetie! I almost wanted to buy her again... it was a poignent moment, to be sure. (who knew you could get fond of a fish?)

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Alida, grand picture! And so glad you will now have perfect boob control....yah know I first typed perfect "bob" control. LOL, that'll never happen, will it! Speaking of boob control, though, did any of you happen to catch any of Martha Stewart this morning? I was rather shocked to see that she could use some "flopper stopping" herself. Maybe it was a bad day in the dressing room... Congrats on the week off. Don't worry, you'll probably make up for it next week.

Donna, your DIL is so lucky to have someone like you willing to go to bat for her. I do hope you'll be able to find some alteratives for her so she can live the best life possible. I don't watch Survivor (DH watches Smallville, if you can believe that!) but I will head over to watch CSI shortly. Sure hope it's not a rerun....

TB, the fish and birds in your yard!! Must be so interesting to watch them. Sounds like a lovely, peaceful setting.

Shell, no shame in BIG drugs for BIG pain, kid. Personnally, I'd want to sleep until it went away! Hmmm. I would want minimal scarring, too, but two plus weeks of sutures? That's gonna get uncomfy, I bet.

Now, YOU, Peg. Ya know, I can see how it would hurt to have put so much into that congregation and staff and not have anyone contact you. I think I'd feel the same. But yet, in another way, what a great testimony to the job you have done with them the past two years--shepherding a flock with a dying pastor, walking that line, pulling a great staff together, keeping the congregation not only funtioning but thriving. Remember your last sermon? Remember the crowd at your "roast?" They loved you, Peg. And they still do. But you did exactly what you do best in the interim role, you led them, pastored them, strengthened them, and helped them move on, whole and strong. You were a true blessing for them, Peg, in a difficult time. I know in my heart they think of you with love, respect, and gratitude (((hugs))) , and like some children who take wing, they temporarily forget who taught them to fly.

Hugs, indeed to all....

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Oh Bren........blush. You are such a treasure.
P

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Oh my, It's been so busy on the list today. And, I'm so sleepy that I don't think I can take time to talk to each of you. Those phone calls at 1:15 and 5:45 do mess up your sleep. However much my sleep was messed up though, it can't compare to my brother and SIL. They were up for good at midnight. Dbrother had a meeting at 7:30 this morning that he absolutely could not cancel. He made it home in time to take a shower, shave and get to the meeting. DSIL never left the hospital until about 7:30 tonight. And, we all know that rest doesn't really happen at the hospital. The diagnosis is that he has a lung problem. It could be pneumonia, or it could be lung cancer. The mass in the lung is in such a place that it would be very hard to needle biopsy or to test with broncostrophy (sp??). He opted to take a month's worth of antibiotics and hope that it goes away--- which it will if it is pneumonia. The other test options had issues that could cause bleeding. They were not really options at all since he is on Plavix and other blood thinners. We are all optimistic that it is pneumonia. This is a man that hasn't smoked in 50 years. He is already having less pain and the doctor thinks that that is an indication that is it "only" pneumonia, too. DH is already planning to reopen "Bobby's Home Health Care" for as long as necessary while we make decisions regarding a move and get that in the works. Alida, you are right, each downsize is less painful. He downsized from the the big house to a one bedroom apartment in an Old Fart's complex 4 years ago. This would be a relocation to something 50 to 75% smaller in a the next level of OF living.

Peg, I want to ditto what Brenda said........ (Dang, she's good at saying important stuff) and to agree with Alida. You have made some really big changes in the last couple of months. Sometimes, I think one reason that I am reluctant to really do something else and get out of education is that I have done it for so long that I might lose my identity of myself. Once your "new life" starts --- what is it now, just a week? --- you will begin to redefine yourself and regain your serenity and feelings of self worth. You are definitely not out to pasture. You are our pastor.

Shelley, prayers for you. And Donna, prayers for Lissa, too.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

TGIFM (Thank God it?s Friday Morning)

Hi All, boy, you guys sure move right along! I always feel so behind!!

Alida, When we look for jobs we can?t really pick and choose, we do avoid the more dangerous places (although since DH is in finance and banking we don?t usually have to worry ? the countries that are in the worst shape aren?t ready for banking specialists ? they are looking for ?relief? people: refugee workers, post-war specialists, etc.). We look at what?s available and then try to get on as many bids as possible. Usually whichever bid is the first winner ? we?re committed.

I am a true Alto but this year, for example, I am singing with the Tenors because they are few and far between. This happens frequently with women with a deeper range. In our Christmas choir I sing Soprano, Alto and Tenor, depending where I?m needed ? so on any given rehearsal night I sing anywhere! That way ? when we are performing ? if there is a weaker section, I can help out. I have a pretty good range.

GORGEOUS picture ? what a sky! Near 80 degrees?? In November??? Is this normal?

Shelley! Sorry you are having some pain ? I guess this is normal ? given the trauma, but I?m still sorry! How cool that DD?s FiL was here!? ? it IS a small world ? and our BEST friends here in Georgia are The World Bank Rep here and his wife ? GREAT people ? too funny!! I have to figure out how to retrieve a PM here (it can?t be too tough, right?) ? And it sounds like your plastic surgeon is taking extra care ? very good news. Sorry about the DD changing the holiday but I agree with Alida ? take it slow m?dear? she?ll understand, of course!

Barb! WoooHoooo!! Back at maintenance weight ? Someday I will arrive at maintenance and then I will know how you are feeling, in the meantime, I?m just delighted that YOU are there again!

Oh Judy, I?m so sorry to hear your dad is not well ? this is just more stress for you all ? I?m so sorry! Do ring in when you can - my thoughts are with you and your family...

Peg, I don?t think it?s unusual to go to the depression first and then the expression of that depression? We are here and we ?hear? your grief and love you. You know men are always trying to ?fix things?, a valid and valuable trait ? unless you don?t want to have something ?fixed?. Sometimes when I just need to be heard and comforted ? I actually say those things to DH. I?ll actually tell him, ?I need to talk about something that is frustrating/angering/depressing me ? I don?t want to you do anything about it or make suggestions about how to make it better, I just need you to listen and support me, and provide some sympathy? He usually understands, but it does seem to go against their natures.

You are so completely valid in your anxieties, your ?fears? , and this sense of sadness or depression ? for goodness sakes you are uprooting your lives, leaving a job, leaving a comfortable routine, and one of your ?comforts? (the cat) is already gone, and you are spending the next SIX MONTHS in a completely unknown environment/situation. This is high stress baby. This is the kind of stress that is INNER rather than external (i.e., it can?t necessarily be ?seen?) ? JUST as valid as the kind of stresses we can see someone going through (medical stresses for example). Traveling is STRESSFUL just in itself, never mind the additional sudden loss of routine, home, companions (animal or human).

Sorry if I?m going on and on, but I so feel what you?re dealing with because I get this every time we have to pull up stakes, clean out a house, say good bye to friends we will likely never see again (that?s always a killer), and leave a little part of our hearts somewhere. It hurts! And it should, because if it didn?t we?d hardly be human now, would we.

I love you Peg and I wish I could sit down with you and just talk and laugh and cry and give you lots of hugs? know you are in my heart.

Terry, I love the songbirds! My folks always had lots of feeders and we had lots of woods behind the house and so I grew up with birds and the windows! (Maybe that?s why I married a Bird ? DH?s last name!)

Brenda!! LoL!! DH and I met in Sarajevo, Bosnia? VERY good story - next post, this one is getting long.

Donna, good for you taking some charge in Lissa?s situation ? you are right ? someone has to do it and you may feel uncomforatble doing it ? but I suspect that in the long run everyone will be so glad you did. It does seem like no one cares (on the medical side, I mean).

Well, my sweeties... made a great meal last night for ten - we all had a ball, now it's clean up time... and I ate all KINDS of bad things (ice cream, chocolate, lots of wine) so I'm not weighing again for a few days - after I get back on track... We have a busy weekend planned, hiking, singing, brunch with friends - it should be a good one - I hope you all get through Friday and have a swell weekend, too!

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Good morning!

Terry: Now I remember the conversation about Koi and Goldfish! Your backyard must surely be a restful haven . . . ponds, birds . . . and yes, I can see getting attached to fish or any "pet" that requires our attention and care.

Actually, flopper stoppers is a Bobism. He has many.

Brenda, about your freudian slip. Nope, will never have "Bob Control."

Did not catch Martha. For some reason I just never watch daytime TV, except for Fox News sporadically. Was she "hanging low?" And speaking of hanging low, some oriental guy used to have our phone number. We get tons of calls asking for someone who's name sounds like Hung Low.

And your note to Peg was beautifully written. You do have a way with words, Bren.

Judy, prayers that your father's condition is "just"pneumonia. With care, that is treatable. Good news that he is feeling better! Will he stay in the hospital during his antibiotic treatment so they can monitor him? Or will he be moving in with you during this recovery period?

Rachel, I think I am getting a feeling for your "line of work." The various agencies and companies actually BID for these jobs in various countries. The country then chooses whichever "bid" it wants. If you are part of that bid, voila! You get the job. Sorta kinda on track here? And, when you apply to become part of a bid package, do you specify your salary or other benefits (housing), so your requirements become part of the bid package? Or do the agencies and companies putting the bids together name the salary and benefits, and you have to agree to them?

One more question . . . are these bids just for the banking specialists, or can they be a package deal, where perhaps the agency is providing a banking specialist and a say, an agricultural specialist?

No kidding if you sing ALL parts! That's quite an accomplishment!

Peg, how are you feeling this morning?

Donna, well, I guess they had to vote off Brandon, but I sure wish it would have been the other guy . . . that idiot Jamie. And throwing in that "Find the Immunity Idol in the Jungle" thingy could make things interesting . . . and perhaps put someone in the final four who just doesn't deserve it!

Barb, Still working on Valentines? And again, Congratulations! on making it to your maintenance weight! You are awesome!

Shelley, how goes the nose today? Are you feeling less pain? I do hope so!

Ilse, have you heard from that new school district yet?

Today I think I will clean the office. It really is a mess. Should also get outside and do some yard cleanup. Hmm. That's a good chore for Bob today!

Have a great day, everyone!

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Alida--loved the sunrise photo! (Note to self: must get digital camera!) At sunrise this morning, I was at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, with a happy crowd of skaters, on opening day. Really fun. It isn't easy to keep an outdoor ice rink frozen when it's still HOT--very unusual for November. Well, I take that back. In KC, weather-wise, anything can happen.

I add my Amen to all the lovely words for Peg. And (answering Alida's question)--in many denominations, like Presby, departing pastors are discouraged, if not forbidden, from contact with members of the congregation they've been serving. This is intended to facilitate bonding with the new pastor, because, naturally, there's always anxiety attached to changing leadership in a church. I guess that's why many pastors find their real friends among other pastors, or with people they meet in other parts of the community. It ain't easy! And that's one reason it's nice to be here for Peg in transition.

Here are two Valentines you've inspired, my dears. I don't know whether the editors will like/accept them (I'll let you know!) but I had fun writing them.

After all these years of marriage, we've discovered the true meaning
of "the two shall become one."
One to drive the car?and one to know the directions.
One to read the labels?and one to open the lids.
One to remember the first name?and one to remember the last.
One to add up numbers?and one to read instructions.
One to save stuff we might need?and one to throw out the junk.
One to know what time the party starts?and one to know
when it's time to go home.

Together, we've created a fully-functional life!
That's why I love you and need you?more than ever!

And for those wonderful Bobs:

What do women want? It seems
most men don't have a clue!
That's why I feel so smart
because I picked a man like you.
A man who listens really well,
(and doesn't give advice.)
A man who says, "Hey--great new shoes!"
(and doesn't ask the price.)
A man who loves the inner me
in spite of outer flaws,
who gives me little gifts
and lots of big hugs "just because?"
A man who understands
(or so convincingly pretends),
and gives me everything I want
as partners?lovers?friends.

Happy Valentine's Day--2007!

Back later. Ciao!

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

I must have been detoxing yesterday, as I had a nasty headache most of the day. It was around 70 degrees, but quite windy, so there was a bit of the wind-chill effect (at least I felt it) Tomorrow, my best friend will come in and I will get to spend a couple of days with her. We have known each other since 6th grade. I took Monday off, so I can spend some time with her and get her off to the airport later in the afternoon. I usually get up earlier than she does, so I still intend to do my weekday morning swim at 6AM on Monday.

I had been looking at juice fasting on-line for a while. Last week, I actually bought some fruits and veggies and decided to try it. I also read the juice fasting was supposed to be good for weight loss. So, I thought I would actually try it. I am doing more with smoothies with the fruit and juicing with the veggies. Not sure if that is the ideal way of doing it.

The painting is by Thomas Kinkaid of the Latvian city of Riga, titled "sunset over Riga, Latvia". My parents had lived there as children.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Ilse, thanks for the update on juicing. And thanks especially for the lovely painting. Kinkaid is so much better known for his romantic rural scenes--it's nice to see some of his other work--and to know of your personal connection with the city of Riga.

Hope the headache has gone for good. Good luck with your "juicy" plans!

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Morning all. I'm in a better mood today. Made a couple of calls yesterday and the end result is that Lissa will be getting her surgery today. There is no way that she could even have a functional life if they had just left her like she is. She's very nervous about the surgery but that's to be expected. My ds will be with her tonight so that will help her. Now, I just have to sit by the phone and be nervous until I get the call saying she's okay. That's the hard part.

Alida: There are very few secretarial jobs in this area. It's more like who you know, not what you know! The fun of living in a small town. And, I agree...Brandon didn't deserve to be kicked off. I was positive that Jamie had started his last arguement. He should have been gone. And...flopper stoppers....that one had me laughing so hard. Never heard that before. My mom used to call them over the shoulder boulder holders.

Brenda: Wow...do you have a way with words. I think you said everything that all of the rest of us wanted to say to Peg and didn't know how to put it down. You should write for politicians! lol

My little grandson who is 3, got to do his own pumpkin this year. He had to clean out the inside of it and didn't really like the feel of the stuff so he kept quitting, but when his mom or dad tried to take over he was determined he would do it and kept telling them "me do". The look on his face was just precious when he had to scoop out more goop. He finally got it done and turned to his mommy and asked all innocent "where's the prize". Poor little guy was so upset when they told him there was no prize in the bottom of the pumpkin.

Got home from work last night to find dh had left work early to put the second coat on the ceiling. Bless his heart. But...he was just covered in paint, as was the floor, the walls, and.....my curtains. Now, wouldn't you take down the curtains before painting? It's going to cost him big time now, cause I'll need new curtains. It's oil base paint and never going to come out. I put the first coat on the ceiling and used about 3/4 of a gallon of paint. He used 2 gallons for the second coat!! I'm sure he was drinking it. At least I don't have to do it.

Well, the storm that was predicted hit. Not where we live, but all around us the hills are white with snow. One of our major highways has 20" of snow and many, many accidents. I can't understand why people insist on driving the highways when there are heavy snowfall warnings posted all day before the snow hits. There is supposed to be more tomorrow, again higher in the hills. Right now, the sun is shining and it's hard to believe that just over the hill it's just ugly weather.

Judy: Hope your Dad is feeling better today. With so much antibiotics, he should be feeling better soon. Hope it is "just" pneumonia. Any chance of a nap today?

Barb: I loved your poems. I'm a real card giver and take the time to read all the poems until I find just the right one. Those two poems would be ones that I would pick. Do you also have a say in the art work on the cards or is that another department?

Guess I should do some work...I've spent an hour here now and really do have some things to do. Have a great weekend everyone.

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Hi Gang!

I finally have time to write. DH has gone off to the grocery store to get the few things we need before we leave; as well as some stuff I want to take along. He has suddenly decided that he needs to get his butt in gear about packing. He's been asking me all sorts of questions about whether I have done this or that. All done! Men!!!!!

And speaking of men, Barb, you are so right one with your poems. Wow, girl! I agree. I have such a hard time finding lovey poems for my Bob because most of them are just too sappy for words! Yours are right to the point. Yay!

Thanks for explaining in fewer words that I could why I mustn't have contact with the former church. You are absolutely right. I didn't have "friends" there; at least like you all. But, still, it is a loss that most of you won't hear about except from me. (not boasting. Just the truth)

Thanks for the tip about Vitamin B. I am taking big amounts of it with the supplements that I take. I saw my Doctor today and she was a wonderful comfort to me. She gave me another prescription for the pain med that I was afraid I couldn't get out in California (it takes a Doctor a while to trust a patient with these pain meds.). So I am feeling a little less stress about that. Also, she told me what you guys have said, as well as my DH. "GET BUSY." She allowed that retirement is supposed to be about change and "Me" time, but she also knows me well enough to know that too much "me" time for me is lethal.

Judy and Bren and others: Thanks so much for your kind words and reiteration of the importance of Brenda's words. It was what I needed to hear from you all. STILL need to hear. Thank you so much. You are absolutely right about this group being a support for me. Re: Barb's explanation about the Church, Judy is absolutely right about me needing you all now. You are my friends! You know things about me and my family that no one in any church will ever know about me. In fact, no one in the denominational heirarchy will ever know. This is friendship. That is not.

Shelley: So glad to hear from you. How are you today? I admire your concern about the ethics of taking BIG drugs. But, I do question it. Not, your ethics!! But, whether it is an ethical question. You have had major surgery on your face, for God's sake. In this case, you are the patient. I have a VERY GOOD friend who is a nurse. I do understand your concern, believe me, I do. I'm glad that the less lethal drugs work for you. But, I hope that you will not be in pain because of your need to be stoic. My Doctor just gave me a lecture about pain management this morning. She said that most Docs are now understanding that patients manage much better if their pain is managed. (That was a "duh" for me)

Barb is right on in her explanation for why I can't contact the church. Bob and I belong to another church that is close to home. It is a dually aligned American Baptist (Bob)/ and United Church of Christ (Me). Our Pastor is a woman who is a real great pastor. We have belonged to this church for all the time we have been back in MA. You understand that when I say, "belonged" I am talking about membership. While it is not unusual for a Pastor to join the church they are serving, Interim ministers are given a choice. I have chosen to keep my church membership and my work relationship separate.

Judy: Good to hear some potentially good news for DDad. I hope that he continues to get better. You are SO fortunate to have a helpful DH. Mine was useless when that was going on with my Mom. But, luckily, my Brother was there. He was a rock.

Donna: Good to hear too, about Lissa. I think you SHOULD get involved if you want to. It sounds as if she needs a health advocate. I have served that role for several older women in my congregations. It is important here in the States, because health care is sometimes pretty cut and dried. It's hard to manuver through it all when you don't want to ask questions or "make waves."

Rachel: Thanks, you dear, dear woman. It's so good to have your support. It sounds like you have a wonderful weekend planned. We have neighbors who are having a big dinner for us tomorrow night. Our entire building (4 condos) often celebrate things together. Tomorrow night it will be our leaving; well, not that they are "celebrating," but they are saying goodbye.

I imagine that you do know well the pain of leaving a place you have made friends. I've been so thrown by this because I usually really like change. I like new places and people. I like to make friends. I just had no idea what it was going to be like to leave the old ones. I didn't think about it. (DUH)

Terry: Wonder what you are doing today and this weekend. How is the floor project? Will that come up any time soon?

Brenda: As always, I more grateful for you than you could possibly know. You have a power in your words. It is a mighty thing.

What are you doing for the weekend? Any plans?

Well have a good rest of the day and evening.
I'll be lurking later.
Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Hey, Buds..

Rachel--would love to hear how you and your DH met. I really enjoy those kinds of stories, and I bet yours is a good one.

Barb, lovely verses, both. I especially resonate to the first one, and hope the editors like them as much as I do. I agree with Peg--I avoid sappy sentiments, too, in favor of more realistic appreciation of lives spent together.

Alida, I haven't seen Martha since her return from prison, and not all that much before. But omigosh, she not only was hanging low, but swinging to and fro. The girl could use some help! In Texas speak, she needed those doggies hed'd up and mov'd on out, ya know? LOL, Hung Lo! That used to be Dh#1's nickname--Won Hung Lo. A story probably best left untold :silly:

Shell, hope you are continuing to feel better today, and not getting yourself too stressed about the change in plans. I don't know about you, but I often find I get weepy for a few days after any procedure--even the most benign. I don't know if it's the sedative or what, but I'm hoping you are ok and yes, doing whatever necessary for the pain.

Ilse, that's a beautiful picture. I hope you get to visit Latvia some day.

Donna, what a super MIL you are. I do hope the surgery will "take" and your DIL will have some better quality of life. ....Two gallons on paint on the ceiling?? LOL! And snow...well it is that time of year up your way, but I'm not in the least ready.

By the way, Donna. I don't think you should look for another secretarial job....I think you should have your boss' job. Seems you already do all the work, and I know you know all the appropriate trucking language . And I have a suspicion you are doing most of it, anyway.

Judy, so glad to hear your DF's condition may be manageable. I have to hand it to your DH, too, for his willingness to take on your Father's care. He's a keeper. I can relate to the underlying feeling, Judy, of safety with the familiar, and having concerns about losing the sense of identity you have built in a successful career in eduation. It's exciting to speculate about the next stage of life but often equally scary. Of course, it will come whether we're ready or not

TB, I was wondering about your floors,too. Have you made your choice yet?

Peg, I'm sure you have given each of us more than you know. I think I can safely say we are all honored to be considered your friend.

Good that you've got an extra prescription and won't have that to worry over. LOL at your DH just now thinking about packing. Too funny. Hey, do call Deuts new Mom and get some reassurances, ok?

No big plans for me today, or this weekend for that matter. Date night tonight, which always includes a few errands. I'd love to get started refinishing the stairs, but that seems to be one of those projects I love to procrastinate about even more. I know, step at a time! (no pun intended)

See you all later...

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Well, following you guys' advice, I submitted the highest quote and asked for a settlement. When I didn't hear back after a few weeks, I started making follow-up calls. That went on for a few weeks, but now we seem to be getting close. Yesterday, I was told that the office would call me today by noon to arrange for cutting the check and confirming mailing info. No one called yet, so I made another follow-up call. Hope to get that handled before the day is out.

Brenda, maybe you can help me with a question I have. I remember ~I think~ that you chose a glued floor rather than a floating floor. Is there an advantage to going with the glued floor, or did you just happen to like the looks of that flooring better?

I've held off picking out anything until I was pretty sure the money was in hand. So, I guess we are just about there. I'm horrid at making this kind of decision, you know. I wish I had a decorator/designer friend to help me.

I don't want to pick a floor that "matches" the kitchen cabinets, as I don't think it will hold up. The cabinets are that bleached-look pale wood (see example). But, I don't know what kind of wooden floor will go well with it.

I was tempted by the new bamboo floors (laminated bamboo); but there aren't many color choices and that flooring doesn't have a very long track record yet. I.e., what happens to those floors after 10 years of wear and tear?

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Terry, I went with "Gunstock." I have Maple cabinets. The floor is darker. But, it looks really good.
Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

I'm glad you're getting close to a settlement, TB. That's good. As for color, mix n match wood is very "in" now anyway. Your cabinets are beautiful, but if you choose not to go that way, I'd pick a color you really love, because it's much more likely you'll change out the cabinets in the future than the floor again . It really is difficult, I know! I chose a medium pecan-finished oak, but that blended best with my other woodwork (and was very middle-of-the-road since I am an uncertain decorator, myself). I was tempted by some exotic woods, but they were out our budget, anyway. Do bring home samples and leave them on the floor by the cabinets for a day or two, looking at them against the other woods and the room in general in all kinds of lighting conditions. I probably had 20 or more different samples over the months we "shopped." Then too, have you tried on-line decorating? You can pick your room, the color cabinets, walls, or countertops you have, and try different flooring looks on them. Here's one

http://www.armstrong.com/resflram/na...ar_landing.asp


Actually we have a glued floating floor. That is, the 3-strip engineered sections are glued in the tongue and groove to each other as they are installed, but it is a floating floor in that the flooring isn't attached to the subfloor. Floating floors are usually laid on a special thin padding which acts as a vapor barrier as well as having some sound deadening and cushioning properties. We picked that type of installation over a nail down because we weren't entirely certain how even the subfloor was underneath the carpet, and because we knew that type of installation worked well for us in the past. A nail down or glue down (which we didn't consider at all) will tend to show discrepancies in level more. I think, though, that most of the floating floor products you'll see now are interlocking flooring rather than glued together. I don't think we'd have installed the interlocking. I do love the floating floor, though.

(For any of you wondering out there, no, a "floating floor" doesn't move. Trust me, 4500 pounds of wood isn't going anywhere)

Have you considered the sheen, too? As much as I love the look of a high gloss finish, I chose a satin finish because it shows spills, marks, dents, scratches (think claws) so much less than a high gloss.

I love the look of bamboo, too, but yes, the choices are rather limited.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108