Sure - I'm going to fill the tub with the same amount of water (which, for the tubs we're looking at, is in the 70-80 gallon range). But, it will take almost twice as long - and yes, the water does cool. Sassinak - you're on my page! (I'm looking for a tub that holds less water, btw - but still, taking 15 minutes to fill a tub vs. 8 or so does seem like an issue). We didn't want a wall spout because it's a two person tub - and we don't want a faucet poking into the head of Bather #2. We did go to a good plumbing store yesterday - and it looks like we'll get the handheld PLUS a tub filler - with just a diverter between the two (no handles for the filler) - and mount the filler on the deck, possibly back side middle - so no having to have it in one's face. I really appreciate the help. Lazypup, in particular - thanks for the clarification on flow rates. We brought home Grohe literature that indicates that one of their tub fillers will reach a rate of 15 gpm! (We have good pressure at the main point of entry to our house and will be replumbing from that point to the bathroom in order to keep that good pressure up where it belongs - so I'll be able to ZOOM fill my tub). Not that it's been much of an issue - I actually have my day planned out right now so that I can fill our current fairly small tub (takes about 15 minutes) while I do stuff in the kitchen. It would be nice, though, to be able to plan a quicker bath!

xamsx-I would rely on the re agent for that. When I purchased this house, I hadn't sold my other home yet-she handled that sale/purchase for me as well. Even though I was only 35 minutes from the other house, she kept a close eye on things. She is pretty good like that-and its a good thing because we ran out of oil, and she let me know before the pipes froze in the dead of winter. chisue-thanks for the good wishes. Yes, there are difficulties that adoptive families deal with that other people would never even think of. My children are not of a matching race as my husband and myself. They are biological brother and sister, both are 3/4 Samoan, and 1/4 African American (picture the wrestler/star "The Rock"-my son looks exactly like him). Their biological mother did not take care of herself during her pregnancy, and did not abstain from doing certain things that anyone who wishes to have healthy children should abstain from while pregnant. My children are paying for those choices now. But they are doing great, and we are a happy family. This is something that would be difficult for any family to have to deal with. Unfortunately, I can't explain to a child that only wants daddy that because of money issues she can't be with him. But-we will be together sooner then I thought if this inspection comes through ok. It will be next Saturday-so basically I am keeping my fingers crossed that whatever should happen will be the best thing for us. Whether the inspection goes well-or doesnt thats the way it was meant to be. On a good note, the 30 year fixed mortgage that we went for on this house is coming with a 5 and a 1/4 percent interest rate-and we are paying 3 points. I am really happy about that.

well.. thank you so much! I was thinking it looked a little like old mayonnaise or urine in snow. But it's hard to argue with so many free-to-be honest strangers. I've feel much better. You're right, the tyvek and white vans have to be contributing. Narrowing down to two stones but both are basically light grayish-white with yellow/gold fieldstone. Thank you again for the comments. I will also take the evergreen advice. Really appreciate it.

Well it's a done deal! However I am going to have to be in on the layout of the template on the stone. I reserved enough stone for my island and they have that set aside but have only ONE slab left. And that one has a 2 x 4 ft chunk out of it. There were at least ten from this lot left in January. So...I guess it will be what it is. Beth, I know, that small piece is a chunk out of the lighter part of the slab and in the lighting in the LR it looks much lighter. I do love the swirls of the darker gray however and on the last slab its going to be touchy getting it not to look like a black and white cookie ;) The lighter parts have a little tan color and it just looks dirty, so... Anyway thanks again for cheering me on and I am so glad to have made the decision. With GW help! They should have it installed by the end of the month so I will post pics when its all finished.