Cooking, entertaining, reading, relaxing and sleeping for many decades in the USA have been activities that homeowners did inside the house.  Now, the trend for many is to move activities to the out spaces.  Just as formal  sitting rooms indoors are passé, formal gardens are out and the lived-in garden is very chic.       Kitchens for the patio come complete with fire brick pizza ovens, refrigerators, ice makers, sinks, and the traditional favorite BBQ grill in a fashionable streamlined stainless steel model.  Entertainment tents, screened in  3- season rooms and gazebos move the crowd from the main indoor living spaces.  Piped out music, a flat screen TV and speakers that look like rocks, add to the draw.  A hot tub complete with built in DVD/CD player and mood lights couldn’t hurt! ... 04/09/2007

Painting by local Brainerd artist, Ashley Bast, -posted with her permissionThe Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,"This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIVUntil he comes,Kathleen Lordbock Re$ale Design & Home StagingBrainerd, MN  04/06/2007

They tell you that they are licensed, bonded, and insured - what does that mean?  Now much as far as providing legal protection for a homeowner. In Mn, contractors must be licensed by the State of MN, not just a local entity to work on a private residence.  Check out your state's requirements. Bonded-is that a bail bond or what? Most local bonds have a limit of $5000.00 and are you the homeowner listed as the beneficiary of the policy?  Do they have work comp, do they have employees and are they paid by cash under the table?  Certificates of insurance need to be sent to the homeowner by the issuing  company and not handed over by the contractor. You, the homeowner need to do some research before allowing anyone to work on your property.  If not and they damage something or worse yet, ge... 03/11/2007