Hi again. Further responses have given us more to think about. There won't be any reception after the couple return. Because we both have such large families, they are basically eloping (but graciously gave immediate family the option to join them) because they cannot afford the expense such a large reception would entail. Phoning the absent friends and relatives would mean calling almost 400 people, so everyone thought a mailed announcement would be much less time consuming. However, I can understand how some people feel that any type of formal announcement would appear to be a gift solicitation. My future DIL truly is a very sentimental young lady who has saved every card she has ever received since she was about 10 years old. She honestly hoped she could receive cards commemerating her MARRIAGE to my son, even if they could not invite our huge families to their wedding. But it has been pointed out that this is tacky or might not be possible without appearing like there is some ulterior motive. Well, I'll pass everything on to them and let the cards fall where they may, I guess. Thanks for all your input!

I am diabetic and will be eating what I want for Thanksgiving -within reason. My doctor told me that I can enjoy myself as long as I don't splurge on anything. I know it will be hard for your guest as he is just newly diagnosed and I remember the panic and super vigilance when I was first diagnosed. Of course, a diabetic should always be careful what they eat but thank goodness over time the panic goes away and you learn to adjust your habits. I agree with those who said that you should just cook what you normally cook. I know that sounds mean but as a diabetic there are normally enough vegetable and protein choices at a Thanksgiving dinner to fill him up. Sweet potatoes without added sugar are actually much better then white potatoes as they are a more complex carbohydrate and really anything that is digested more slowly (carb wise) is best that way you don't get as bad of a sugar spike. You will do great! Karen

These homes don't have basements and mine only has a carport. And the original laundry rooms were outside, so people looking in this neighborhood are looking for remodels that have joined the laundry room to the main house. It's like another room, at 9 x 10 with a closet and window! My realtor said many people end up using it as a home office as well, and mine is the perfect size. And it's the most cheerful laundry room I've seen, with soft yellow walls and white accents! LOL I do have a pool, but it's not considered a selling feature in my area, especially not an old one like mine. Major features like # rooms, pool, parking, lot size are all listed in the bottom features of the MLS listing. This is just the additional description that the feature list doesn't cover. So you really think the pottery barn is a no-go? It's not the furnishings, it's the actual style of the interior. Everything is in PB colors, walls, hardware, beadboard, etc. Seems like ALL the remodels these days are going for the PB look because that's what the majority of the 20 & 30 somthing crowd goes for. Mine is a large family home in a family area, so it's very unlikely a couple over 40 will buy it. My realtor is concerned (as am I) about staying realistic in the ad and not puffing it up to something it's not. It does need some work, not right away (unless you want everything new or just so), but eventually. Same with the backyard. Things are -old- and obviously starting to wear out in the back. I've looked at so many home that describe this AWESOME house and you get there and it's a dump. :(

Yes, Hazel, the Avery Wizard is available (free) at the Avery website. It is great-- every label Avery makes can be customized with it, either singly (many different entries on a sheet) or a whole sheet of identical stickers. I am just lost without it! I tried going through the Microsoft Support KNowledge Base but couldn't find a thing relating to XP and Office 97. I guess I will ask on the Computer Forum. Be sure and try the Wizard. It intergrates into all versions of Microsoft Office and is an indispensible tool for anyone who makes labels. Susan