There's a plus! The mousies and voles and squirrels and co. won't be able to get in either! Just wondering: if you put an ag-plastic cloche over the top to keep the rain off? Or those heat cap thingies? I use long gro-tunnels for some things and I find them great for moderating the weather (though I never get your sort of snow/ice).

My Vera took forever to grow and bloom last year but once she did WOW what a great plant! Kristi, you will just LOVE Elvas. It's one I would have more than one of cause it is so cool. It's a shame about Gurney's being so bad. I hate seeing people spending good money and getting inferior products.

I'm sorry, I re-read my response and I don't want to come off as sounding obnoxious.. I've bought boxed clematis at Sams before, and like people have already mentioned, they were small. Of the 4 in the box which I purchased; one died (it grew for a couple weeks, but never returned) two turned out to be fantastic plants (and the correct variety) and the last one grew well and flowered the following season (but I think the variety was wrong). I'd plant them, and care for them well the first year. Plenty of water and keep them free of weeds. Add compost around the planting hole and put mulch around the plant (2-3 inches deep, 1-2 inches from the stems). If you're back there, see if they have a 'Sweet Autumn Clematis' in a box. These are vigorous growers and as foolproof a clematis as I've encountered. Best of luck on your purchase either way! ~Chills

wdccruise--Yes, that is a misleading photo of the louvered door area because there is a mirror that inaccurately reflects what the area is truly like. The area is 34" deep, so I can get a fridge in there. You are right that perhaps the GE profile spacemaker may be my best bet. (There is also a Sharp that can also be hung from a cupboard, but it is much deeper than the GE.) My uppers will be 15" deep, so I could also just use a shelf since I have found a couple of basic and cheap microwaves that would be shallow enough to fit. darbuka and all--I guess I didn't mention range ventilation. I am going to have to do recirculating because we have absolutely no way to duct to the outside. I am thinking that I need all the air flow I can get, and a chimney hood will blow the air out at ceiling height rather than right in my face like an OTR would. partim--Good point about not having a landing spot when a microwave is placed in a pantry. che--Great to hear from someone who is actually using exactly the solution I am contemplating. All of you--thanks a lot!