SJ, also look into wine/liquor stores. The boxes are fairly small, and tend to be pretty sturdy because of the weight of the wine. They are the perfect size for carrying as well, because you can't over pack them.

Thanks, I'll check that out. I usually go for the bookstores because I used to work at one and because of all the books I own. We're not going to be the ones carrying them, but we do try not to make them too heavy.

Update: The dog has broken through to the fuzzy interior. I kind of thought he wouldn't really do the pillow any harm, since he's had the bed since December. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Will it do any good to take it away from him?

Yes. It will stop him spreading the fuzzy interior further than he already has.

And hopefully - get him out of there before he swallows too much of it and you're cleaning up fuzzy interior laced vomit and poo for the next several days.

Grr. I've been trying to hire an assistant for two years. I've finally identified someone and have been in limbo (again). A higher up who is leaving called me and said that he was trying to place someone in his office and would I consider her. I don't like the woman. She's been condescending and vaguely shitty to me. Of course, higher up has no idea that she's a bitch, and waxed poetic about how great she was. I can't quite figure out how to get out of hiring her. I hope that she wants too much money, though I suspect that higher up has the juice to work with it.

He usually doesn't show any signs of swallowing the fuzz. He seems to only kill his prey, not eat it.

Thanks, Ginger, I'll suggest those.

Susan, I'm sorry the trip has been so rough on your mom. I know she was looking forward to it. I hope the meds kick in quickly and help her be more comfortable.

Glad to hear from you , Susan. Sorry it hasn't been a the best trip.

Report on vinegar cleaning of the bathroom

used the cheapest distilled white vinegar I could find. ( this usually means a 5% solution). I used it undiluted - and added couple of drops of lavender oil. Maybe 2 cups to clean the whole bathroom. Not sure I had to use that much.

Time: same as commercial products.

Effort: similar to commercial products

Smell: Far less strong than most commercial products. almost gone 20 minutes later.

Cleaning: good bye soap scum and mold. I didn't have to rinse the floor. Bonus - vinegar absorbs funky smells.

Any way you could interview her and get HER to turn down the job, Vortex? I mean, if SHE thinks she won't be happy, it's not your fault..;)

"Is that's the way this is going to be?"

OMG! It is universal! For me it is usually when something very clearly doesn't fit because there has been a mistake in the alterations or we JUST got it, someone hasn't put all of their costume on during a quick change, or there is a giant safety pin holding up a hem or holding the costume on. One director always asked very nicely 'Is that safety pin meant to be there?" and, like NoiseDesign, I answer "yes".