Burnt Ridge told me they used at least two different species of rootstock for their persimmons -- mine was a Hana Fuyu -- and they didn't keep record of the rootstock with their inventory. I think they said they used D.v. and D.k., but I can't remember precisely which two they said they used. Another possibility is that I just didn't scratch deep enough on the rootstock. I could very well be wrong about what's going on, but I do know that a scratch test up in the tree looks very good and that there's no sign of any growth yet, even though my other kakis broke dormancy a couple weeks ago and are leafing out now. I did hedge my bet by cutting some scions (although it's not much of a hedge with my kaki grafting success rate to date.)

The benefit of 304 SS is that it doesn't rust as easily as lower grade SS.In a kitchen enviroment it shouldn't really. The thick 16 gauge will prevent warping over time resulting from the heat output of the BS/CC. The seamsless construction prevents grease from depositing in the seams which makes it very difficult to clean. Eventually rust results. Remote blower allows a more powerful blower plus less noice,especially if it is more than 6 feet plus away with a silencer. Silencers are about $150-$200 and the ducting is not very expensive. BTW: The price for Top End Appliances in any category seem out of line:) BTW II: I don't know if the ebay question is a serious one but you go under Home & Garden then click Inside the Home,then Major Appliances,then Ranges and Cooking Appliances,and finally Range hoods. Or search "42 Hoods" and set a price range to exclude things like sweatshirts. Here is a link that might be useful: Ebay Range Hoods

I go against the popular opinion here, so take it for what it's worth. Also, I suspect you've already made some decisions, but here goes anyway. If it were me, I would keep the high quality materials and reduce square footage. You can always add on space later, especially if you plan for it now. But cheap quality materials will be a source of regret for you forever. And the house will never, ever give you a feeling of rightness. You will always feel disappointed. What I personally would eliminate (your choices will certainly be different): Drop from a 3 car garage to a 2 car garage Do you really need both a formal living room AND a family room? If you keep both, don't sink the floor of the living room. As someone mentioned it seems very dated, and it is also a bit of a hazard. I have never been in a house that had one and not seen a guest stumble at the threshold at least once. You have a lovely eat-in kitchen and a large dining room. Do you need both? We have not eaten in our formal dining room one single time since we added a large eating area to our kitchen twelve years ago. We entertain frequently, but in the winter everyone gathers in the kitchen and in the summer everyone is out on the back patio. What I would absolutely keep: The porch. It is a wonderful feature and gives your house distinction. Rosefolly

When one begs, one can't choose! :) I've read that scions can be viable up to several days if shipped properly. I'm looking to pay for overnight shipping or whatever someone can do (whatever is easy). My ideal situation is either to find someone within a hundred miles of me or someone that has a stone-fruit offering that's willing to ship. It's easier to graft peaches and nectarines in august than spring, as I understand. In the end there's not much at stake here for either the person sending or trading and me. Shipping is cheap and I lose nothing on at least trying to graft a few.