My GF and I work for gov't agencies and have some seniority, so should be pretty secure. Steady work is a lot to be thankful for. We're building a house and helping to keep some contractors employed. My plumber just asked for a quick draw this morning because his supply house has significantly reduced credit. My bank is real good; I fax a draw to them in the morning, and checks go to contractors that afternoon.

RR, I'm falling behind schedule. If your carpenter finishes your siding and soffits before I get mine hung on my garage, would you consider giving his name and number?

Since I've had 12 weeks of delays (Co. inspector & weather) the bank extended my construction loan 3 months before I have to begin paying interest and principle. We had hope to buy down the mortgage with a mutual fund I had that has lost 50% and my GF's condo that might be slow to sell, even at a lower price. So we'll end up with a larger mortgage than planned, but we might get an even lower interest rate. So we'll probably be OK, except during the overlap of two mortgage payments until the condo sells.

My youngest daughter finished grad school last May and was looking for work without much success until just before Christmas when she landed a job in her field. My GF's son-in-law was laid off last August (construction dependent business) and is still looking for work. I suppose having only one person out of work in the whole extended family picture isn't too bad in this economy.

We already paid for tickets and a place to stay in the Bahamas in late March, so I really have nothing to complain about.

Sg