Connie, we've got the same weather in the forecast right now. I'm taking all my tops off today, even the ones that haven't sprouted. I'll be planting out most of the day on Thursday. I've got a few containers that haven't germinated. I'm hoping to get a list of what has and hasn't so I can be prepared for the onslaught soon. 85 on Thursday for us. And no chance of frost thru the 12th either.

I think that if I had seen that photo before we did our kitchen, I might have done the copper sink in the island. I really wanted to work in copper somewhere, but it didn't seem to fit anywhere else and I was picturing a green sink over time. Counters would not have worked for me, but I love the island idea. I wasn't trying to talk anyone out of copper -- just posing the likely questions and ones I wasn't able to resolve for myself. I also realized after I last posted that most of the things I was looking at trying to think about how copper would age were probably only thin copper plating -- like the roof of a bird feeder outside that quickly became pitted and yucky. You probably wind up with some rusting metal underneath rather than copper, and that's not a fair comparison. luvnola, I'm sorry you're not rebuilding in Nola, but glad you can recreate the charm you need wherever you are. I can asee copper like that adding to the charm, It is different, and that's what will make it what you love. That's what's really important -- making your kitchen nd your home what work for you -- functionally, of course, as well as some touches that feed the soul. I got flack for marble counters and for my three different cabinet finishes, but the end result just feels so right for me. I love many looks, but this is one I will alsways feel at home with. Enjoy! BTW, I did not find soapstone that would work for me and wound up with a brushed granite instead. Love it too, but I still love soapstone and may put it in our laundry room if I get a chance. The marble wsa less than my granite, and I would have thought copper would be more. The sinks and hoods are certainly pricey. You'll have everyone fooled. ;-)

Sorry my friend - just got back on today after the weekend. Yes, Hubbard Clause is used here in CT (not sure if elsewhere) - where the buyers have a house to sell of their own. So here's what went down this weekend. We had to go to first couple and they exercised thier Hubbard Clause rights to try to secure a mortage in 48 hours. They were unable to. We then were able to accept the second offer at full asking price - they have a pre-qual letter and put 10% down. In our town over the past few years most sold but it was after bidding wars and sold for over asking price. Right now there is not a lot in inventory even though most surrounding towns do have quite a bit. Some research has shown that the houses that have sold are selling for less than aksing, are on the market quite a few days and have had some price drops. So for us with regard to selling has been good. Not sure what the market will bear with regard to us buying. We have a plan to put our things in storage and move in with in-laws until something comes up. Again, our town is small and we are trying to stay in it.

I wish I had another job to go to. This was a good job, and I doubt I'll find something better, but it was a long drive, and too little money, and a boss who wanted me gone, so I guess even being broke would be better. I still have two paychecks coming, plus a small check once a month from Worker's Comp, so I should be fine for another month while I find something else, and sell everything I own! LOL Heck, I might even get a couple of roommates. At least I'd have someone to take care of the animals if I went on a trip. It gets sort of lonely here by myself sometimes. I'm a survivor. I made a vow to myself a long time ago, after being raised in an abusive family, marrying an abusive man, and having relationships with several verbally if not physically abusive men, that I would just REFUSE THE ABUSE, as Oprah says. I should start a website named that, for all people like me who are tired of being treated like crap.