I have a very irregularly-shaped strawberry patch, so had to be imaginative. I bought the netting below, cut it in sections to correspond to the berry bed sections (but larger than the section, so say if a section was 12 x 3, I cut 14 x 5 so that there was allowance for height of plants). Then I bought enough 1x2 to edge the sections of netting and stapled the netting on it (have to roll the netting around the frame to make it sturdy enough to not rip). The pieces are lightweight enough that I can lift one side out of the way with one hand. At the end of the season, I just roll-up the sections. I would take pictures, but I just placed it on the bed last night and don't have time to take it off right now. Here is a link that might be useful: bird netting

Yeah I did not see one in person before I ordered it through Costco. I would have liked to but I would also not go very far out of my way to do so. For me it was pretty much what I expected. The stove works great and I have no regrets. Darn good deal for $1800 I think. Getting used to a nice gas range is one of the easiest adjustments I have ever made.

The PAR 38 LEDS from Lowe's (private label is Illumitech made by Feit for them) have Edison bases. They fit my 8 y.o. Lightolier cans. Each can brand/type has bulbs they accept -- my cans have a sticker inside with that info but lighting specs for the cans should show that. Thing with the LEDs I've been using is that they must be compatible with my dimmer switches so I've been focused on that. Lutron's site has the compatible bulb list in their switch specs. LEDs are very cool compared to incandescent. So there is much much less heat. What they did in my house was go into the attic and air seal with soy foam around every can from above. The foam dries rigid and nothing gets through. They foamed around around every electrical chase, the hvac vents -- everything. It took 3 guys two days. Then they cut this 2-inch thick foil-lined foam board to fit around the attic perimeter, installed the proper vents, foamed the joints and then taped the foam board over the entire attic floor. They closed in the sides of the access stairs and made a hatch door -- it looks like a space station up there. Would think it's ideal for insulation to go in before the cans and then have them sealed down properly. Retro work is much harder. They also sealed up every cranny in my basement around the rim joist which also was leaking like crazy, around windows and even under the metal fireplace floor guard. An insulation contractor who is certified and knows what he is doing is a blessing. I was very dubious before. DH didn't even want to bother with it. But once they go through your house with the infrared camera and show you where everything is leaking -- then walk through with you again after the job is done -- and no more blue spots, you can see. They sealed up spots in my garage as well. I'm a complete convert after these 5 days of 0 to 10 weather. Proof is the stable temperature in the house; lower heating and electrical costs. I don't know about cathedral ceilings -- expect that would depend on the roof construction. If you went for an energy audit (they are free under a certain income level with modest surcharges above in our state) they could tell you what you need to do and give you an estimate.

Are there three laminate tops: the island, the small contertop beside the refrigerator and the countertop with the cooktop? Consider waiting until after your walls are repainted before deciding to paint your cabinets --or at least before deciding what color you want to paint them. If you choose an actual color for your walls rather than some creamy off white, you might find you actually like the neutral wood cabinets a lot better. Remember that anything painted inevitably needs to be repainted and can begin to look awful as it begins to get that way. You might also consider adding a medium to dark wood wainscoting to the outside of the penninsula for a less ... blah / all-the-same look -- and it would show kick marks less readily, making it more practical to actually use your breakfast bar. Since you don't particularly like the granite, don't add to your dislike. If you are in a rush for a change, simply choose a solid color from the different colors within the granite and change all of your laminate countertops so they're that solid color but in a more affordable material. You might check out the solid color Corian countertops that are available to see if one suits you. Since you mention you're on a budget, remember that you don't need to replace all the countertops at once. You could delay changing those countertops that are against the wall and, therefore, less visible from the living/dining are, until a later date -- initially replace only the more visible countertop of the island. Kitchen islands -- countertops and/or base -- are often not the same as the rest of the counter tops and cabinets; in fact, an island base and/or countertop is often a totally different color from the other cabients and it is not unusual to have an island countertop a different material from other countertops in the room: some are wood, some are tile, some are concrete. Some materials, such as Corian, can have a patter that even appears to be granite or marble or wood (at least at first glance from the distance of the next room). Redoing the island countertop and repainting its base first (after first repainting your walls, of course) is an opportunity for you to add color to the room. Go ahead and paint your island base your favorite bold accent color and choose a totally different countertop -- material and color. Live with that a bit before deciding what to do with the other laminate.