I like your idea about the black water containers in the frames. I'm doing the same thing and it seems to help. One way to determine that is to have a Max/Min thermometer and record the results. If you have access to straw bales you can surround the frames for added insulation. I have two frames 80" x 36" with white painted 3/4'" foamboard house insulation on the inside that relects light and has an R value of 3 (?) or so. The spinach is doing well and I've just palnted gobs of radishes and some romaine. I made mine from double insulated patio doors hinged on the high side of sloping cedar frames. I built an metal frame with old cast iron window sash weights that acts as a counter weight for the rather heavy door. I reduced the effort to open them from 35 lbs. down to 8 lbs. One way to add more days to the growing season is to cover them with another layer of protection such as a plastic and frame mini greenhouse. I've got more patio doors and I'm thinking about making a temporary greenhouse structure to cover the coldframes in order to grow my beloved veggies. I would also get another frame going because you'll outgrow that one you have now. More is better when it comes to having successive plantings. Check out Eliott Coleman's FOUR SEASON GARDENING. Tons of inspration and cold frame stuff from a master.

Les is right. Our house is an 11 year old Lennar spec home. Although the house was not built well, the cabinets are in very good shape and we're only planning on staying here another 7 years. We are going to build our next house so we can make sure it really has everything we want. I don't want to change the complete look of my kitchen because I want it to flow with the rest of the house. I originally wanted white cabinets but when he came into the house he looked at my kitchen and said he would paint them oatmeal with a glaze. I didn't and still don't know what that color is and what it will look like. I order every piece of free literature on houses for my design book when we build so I know what I want going in. I just happened to be looking at the catalog and saw oatmeal glaze and I don't know that I like it with the colors I have in my kitchen. I searched for oatmeal cabinet colors last night on the forum just so I have an idea of what it is going to look like but I didn't have any luck. If anyone has cabinets that are painted oatmeal with glazing, may I see a picture please?

Unfortunately, unless you are willing to spend significant money on a greenhouse and lots of money every month when it's cool/cold to heat it, you are not going to be able to get the results you want. I live in a much more temperate environment (Zone 8), and quickly realized the first year that I would be growing $20 tomatoes if I wanted production during the winter. Now, I keep the greenhouse heated with an electric, radiant heater and maintain the temperature at about 38-40F. It doesn't cost a huge amount for electricity, but it does protect my tender plants that have to be brought in each fall. In the spring, when things start warming up, I start my seeds in trays with domes that sit on thermostatically controlled heat mats. As the seedlings start growing, I remove the domes, and then turn off the heat mats a little later. As for my yard, I rarely buy annuals. There are many colorful perennials, particularly day lilies, that don't require the work of planting each year and the recurring expense.

You don't put matting and glass on an oil painting.....could it be a watercolor? Whatever I like it....think I would even like the gold frame if it were matted in a creamy white like your walls and that creamy white in the picture. If it's an original don't let anyone tell you to go to a store and buy "wall art"....nor tell you that it's dated!! Original art is never "dated" just vintage or antique.