Thank you, everybody! Elemire, I agree that a noisette or a rambler certainly makes a big statement from afar, but I happen to love the closeups of those blooms too. It is not just the HTs and other huge blooms that deserve a closer look:-) Labrea, I agree, not just the leaves, but sometimes the whole bush shape is not too pleasing, but the blooms are wonderful. Audrey, I love HMs too. If only I had more room... Ingrid, thank you, as always, for your kind words and encouragement. Masha

LOL I am Patti laying in bed typing with one hand about ready to sleep lol stacy

When you say he can't afford custom furniture, have you looked at Decades Furniture? I ask because for couches they are reasonable and a lot of their couches have multiple seat depths available (I'm assuming this guy has long femurs). The 2 guys who own Decades are both big body builder types - like people you think would be in WWF based on their breadth and build. Maybe he could look at their sofas and rethink the sofa bed aspect. An airmattress is usually more comfortable than a sofa bed in its bed-state. And an air mattress is easy to move from one apartment to another :)

I drive a Toyota Sienna and love it. It's a wonderful car. DH drives a very fancied-up GMC Sierra pick-up truck that has the most incredibly comfortable seats, but it's a major climb to get in and out of, so we always use mine when we have guests. My Sienna seats 3 on the back row bench seat, 2 in the middle and 2 in the front, in captains chairs. It has large windows, so those in the back row don't feel claustrophobic and without a view. A pull-down screen for movie viewing, that I never use except when hauling teens and kids. It has the 4 doors, the side two that slide open with my key remote or a button near the driver. Air conditioning and heat seem to keep everyone happy. Great gas mileage. Surround sound. that can be easily adjusted. Built-in Bluetooth and a great backup camera. My CD player holds four, I believe and has a jack for Ipods. My navigation system is a nice one, although I'm jealous of DH's Garmin. Very comfortable leather seats, a moon roof and radar cruise control. It has a great motor and gets up to speed very quickly, which this former Motor City girl really appreciates! Nicely shaded back windows. The back seat automatically folds down with a push of a button when I need more room for hauling luggage or whatever (bushes, trees, flowers). But, with just the regular back storage area, it will hold 4 nice-sized suitcases and a couple of carry-on bags. I'm not the least bit embarrassed to be driving a minivan. My "baby" is beautiful, gas efficient, comfortable and has tons of bells and whistles. But, that said, I also love Tibbie's suggestion of a conversion van for the swivel chairs and extra head room, if it works for the number of people you'll have.