WOW! Thanks for sharing. First, your puppies are adorable. Your gardens seem like a fun place to be - very whimsical for the puppies. Your orchids are amazing. I am in Georgia. I wish I could grow some of the plants in your zone. Again, awesome garden!

Amber, when I want to use bad tasting fruit or fruit that is not perfect looking I do preserves French style, that is I just simmer fruit and sugar or honey, put it in the fridge overnight. Next day I cook it for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the fruit and put in jars to be used as a topping with pancakes or yogurt. I just made some bland tasting apples from the store like that also some peaches from the u-pick farm that were not the best looking. I also make any bland tasting melon like that. You can add vanilla bean, citrus or any other flavoring that you like. And the lesson learned at least for me is to try to get a review on a fruit or veggie from people that know what they are talking about, (very few) lol. I never forget the time that Dr Carolyn from the tomato forum, after posting the picture above, she asked me "did you like the tigger melon"? because she knew it!:) Silvia

It's nice to hear about a nice-guy builder. I think we all get a distorted view here because we mostly hear about the bad ones. Loved the photos. Beautiful, beautiful kit. cabinets. Very practical peninsula--good addition. Love the cheerful yellow walls, the PORCH!! All the fitted closets. I have a serious case of land and view envy so it's no good for me to see vistas like that. Your layout is one that has been around, with many different facades, and in many different variations for literally decades. I believe because it is so very liveable and wastes very little unnecessary space in circulation routes. Just a classic, convenient home. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Where I am, you don't want Morning Glories any where near your vege garden! They are weeds! Same with nasturtiums! I do have them in the garden area for prettiness, but far from the raised beds! Good on you for thinking of the wide paths! It makes it so much easier to bring in soil/compost etc and dump without messing up your back! Now a little picket fence (lined with wire in case you have bunnies), some pots of herbs and flowers, a bench or chairs, an umbrella, fountain and you're set!