Cross-pollination of squash has no effect on the characteristics of this year's crop. If not saving seed, any crosses which might occur will cause no problems. Of the common garden vegetables, only corn can be affected this year by crossing with other corn types.

You do realize that the Bravos have electronic boards in them too don't you? I'm curious about your board problems before. I don't suppose you have a good surge protector on there? I'm wondering if you are having some surge issues. In fairness, yes, the lid and such is plastic on the F&P. But what's wrong with that? It won't rust! F&P is known for high quality construction where it counts. The early Cabrio/Oasis/Bravos had big issues with rusting on the metal components. I'm thinking it might be resolved since I don't hear much on it anymore but a plastic lid can't rust. F&P have very few moving parts and I'm told they're pretty good units for a DIYer to repair. There's not a lot of units that don't use electronic components. Just be sure you know what you're getting. Also be aware that a C/O/B claim of 4.7 cf capacity is misleading. They don't wash 4.7 cf worth of laundry. That's an (upward) adjusted figure to "compensate" for the lack of an agitator to "compare" washers. I believe the capacity of a C/O/B is about 3.8 cf IIRC. Someone else could probably give more detail on it. That does sound like a heckuva good price on that washer though.

jadiesmom, don't be mad at lindac. She isn't trying to make you feel bad. I have to say that destination weddings, followed by a reception at home, do confuse me a bit. I understand sweet pea's points, and she is a pro. But to me it still seems sort of like trying to do the same wedding two different ways. Or perhaps having the ceremony with the honeymoon instead of the reception. If a couple wants to have a private wedding, whether in some exotic locale or at city hall, I can understand that, although I can also understand family being hurt (especially for a first marriage; after that, I think most families would understand a couple's not wanting to have another big wedding). But when a destination wedding is followed by a local reception, that is what confuses me. I don't understand why they don't then simply have the wedding when and where they have the reception, and then go on a honeymoon to the "destination." If there is going to be a big reception anyway, then having the ceremony in the vacation destination instead just seems to me to be saying, "we care more about an exotic setting for our vows than we do about your presence." That may not be the couple's intention, but I think you can understand how some people might get that message. I certainly agree that it is the bride and groom's choice to do what they want (and I am sure lindac would agree -- she never said no one has a RIGHT to a destination wedding or anything like that). At the same time, I think brides and grooms need to understand that their friends and family have the right to their feelings, too. You call it "Our day" -- well, it is, and you can either share it or not. That's your choice -- but that doesn't mean you can control how everyone is going to feel about it. It is also not true that brides and grooms always know what "everyone" is excited about and fine with. People may be disappointed but mature and gracious. Look through some of these strings on destination weddings, cash bars, buffet lines, pot-luck receptions, "open" seating, registry cards in invitations, etc. You will find both posters who say, "We did that and everyone was fine with it," "no one complained," and even "everyone loved it." On the same string, you will see posters -- many, not just a few -- who dislike or are even offended by those same things. That doesn't mean that they would dream of criticizing someone who did them. I, for example, think that cash bars at private parties are really unacceptable. The few times I have seen them, I certainly didn't say a word of criticism to anyone about it, and I wouldn't have even if asked. A polite guest doesn't criticize hosts' hospitality, and a friend is supportive about friends' plans. It sounds like your family and friends are not upset about your plans, even if they might actually feel like lindac -- well, good! Then you don't have a problem. Congratulations, and have fun!

Sorry for not getting back, just looked at this post. The more I play with this kitchen, the more I agree with the architects vision of leaving the range on the pantry/laundry wall. @mammagoose, how long do you suggest for the range wall? it is currently drawn 8’6”. As far as the bathroom, yeah DH wants it left there, as per architect’s design. I definetly prefer a square shape island but just havent figured out how to make software behave the way, I want it to. Lol Here are a few ideas that I have contemplated: