"If you can't cancel and get your money back for the flight, book a room in a hotel nearby before you leave and explain to her that you don't think you can live up to her rules in her house." Well, I don't think that is necessary--why fight rudeness with rudeness? Because that's really what your friend is; being that demanding and intrusive to guests is simply rude. However I agree completely with the advice not to stay at your friend's house. If the tickets were a great deal, and you are going to a sublimely beautiful and relaxing place like Hawaii...make it a restful and enjoyable visit, not a dreaded chore! Hotels are discounting madly these days. If you phrase it that 'we would feel more comfortable staying at the [name of hotel] and that way we can spend time together without putting you to so much trouble' and then *stick to that*, you may end up having a grand time. At least you'll have a better time than madly scurrying around trying to avoid actually touching or using anything in your friend's home ;). Ann

I love those flannel sheet blankets. The last ones I bought were from JC Penny also. I hope someone knows where they can be found. I'm down to my last 2 and they've seen better days. With 2 dogs who like to join us I like having something I can throw over the bed and wash in hot water and a bit of Clorox. I just Googled and the only ones I found are polyester. One was at Blair and got horrible reviews. The other was at Bed Bath and Beyond. I have and like the 100% cotton ones. Sure hope someone has a better lead.

mamapinky -- My robes unzip completely. I think it's called a 'breakaway zipper'. seagrass -- Oh, I like that one! I may come back to that. This morning I kept on the web until I found a 'possible' robe, at Penney's of all places! Big Sales. I ended up spending $107 to reach the free shipping amount. These are all things I can use. There's the robe, two cotton Adonna nighties, and three packs of three Jockey Comfies panties. BTW, if anyone else loves these panties, snap them up now. The new ones have more nylon content. These are 83% cotton/17% nylon. The price for mine came out to about $6.60/pair; these are 3-packs with two white pair and one pink.) Maybe...maybe I'll like this robe. (Now I'm wondering if it has that breakaway zipper, although I seldom use the feature.)

I forget about Vermont Country Store. Off to look there. Thanks for the recommendations you have all used. So many king blankets are only 108x96 and with shrinkage they end up a little smaller than I would like. Some I have looked at are larger to start, 110x98. Doesn’t sound like much but maybe makes a difference. I wondered if those ‘cooling blankets’ really work. I wouldn’t put one in a duvet cover, and for our climate not in flannel unless in winter.