OK on drying time for the thinset, wouldn't it take longer too dry in the winter months instead of summer? I live in Wisconsin and for some reason the thinset takes a little longer too set up mind you the basment is cold...

If it is a very cold basement, you may have to wait a while. What temp range did the thinset bag say to use? Remember, the floor is much colder than the air, particularly in Wisconsin. In Atlanta we can usually do this year round but basements should be heated to get the floor temp up.

PS Thinset doesn't dry, it chemically hardens. Brian