As I age, my hobbies change. Some on here will remember how Cactus & Succulent crazy I was for years... pretty much gone. I moved in 2004 and my microclimate changed drastically. So I had to change what I grew. Orchids became more prevelant, which devolved into mostly Oncidiums and Cymbidium orchids! The microclimate involved many more epiphytics, AND there was a YARD involved so more in ground gardening and less container gardening. In 2007 my career changed paths (totally UNEXPECTED paths) and I've been learning a whole new industry since then. May of this year saw me promoted into a Manager position, in a one person office, so it is All Me. (That sucks up way more of my time than I like.) Read (less than I used to) Compost Have four cats Have had my Class M California license for more than 25 years and have been more actively riding my trike (Brothers of the Third Wheel have been featured in several Major publications this year) Got sucked into Farm games on a well known social network Photograph my beautiful plants, at a near professional level Lost a dear pet suddenly and needed a new hobby to keep my hands busy, and my lap full... so I started designing and crafting jewelry. (Yep, that's pretty much where I've been.) You can see it here http://www.artfire.com/users/The_Clockwork_Boudoir Not to mention a recent introduction to Steampunk... Just what I need, a new hobby! I've developed a more sophisticated musical palette thanks to my 24 yo son, and will be attending a Black Keys concert on my 50th birthday... Wondering if I'm in crisis territory?

Badgergirl, your granddog looks very similar to my baby, Bella, who lives with my STBX POC DH. I miss her terribly. She has black spots like a cow, though, but has the same smile as your sweetie. Pits (and Rots) are incredible dogs. (My Rot, Shelby, died a few years ago. I still miss her little dances.) They're so smart they'll do anything to please their owners. They're great natured, but because of their quick intelligence, easy to ruin. They learn what makes the owner happy, and if it's horrible, how are they to know? Their owner is happy and safe, and that's all that matters. I'm all for the death penalty for those who train these smart, loving dogs to be aggressive and dangerous. I'll get off my soapbox. They're fabulous. 'Nuff said. Fori, your baby looks like he got caught doing something! That's a funny place, a log! My Morgan sleeps on a cold tile floor. She can tear up a bed in less than 10 minutes. I started buying comforters at the thrift store, which she'll fight with, roll around with, and eventually sleep with a paw or sometimes her head on the blanket. They'll last about 6 months. My foster Pugs sleep on the comforters. They're just weird, sweet, funny little dogs who could do a bed, I'm sure, but they don't care as long as they're together. Thanks for the bed links, though. Morgan is 12-14 years old and I'd like to get her off the floor!

Holly I really can't give any specifics . A) it was 7 yrs ago B) I know we had a board that my friend and I rubbed some of the solution on until it looked close. It turned out OK . At least it matches in color. The 1890 floors are wonderful but I wanted a wood floor in the adjacent bathroom to match. It was a mistake I can see now and I will one day have it torn out and replace with tile. But not any time soon...LOL> I am remodeled out since the kitchen in 2006. Melanie in the whole front of out old house we have very narrow old oak floors that are a dark color and then adjacent to them at the thresholds to the kitchen and DR the old heart pine starts. It does not look bad at all. They are completely different floors, colors everything. It looks just fine. I hope this helps. Were I to finish floors again I would ONLY use Waterlox...never ever use poly again . It is ever renewable with no sanding and can be touched up forever plus it bonds into the wood and strengthens it not just coating it. There are a number of posts on this topic. I have used the Waterlox as have others and it is a perfect product. Please consider this when you do your floors as you can apply it very very easily yourself. c

Thanks for the responses! I only have the cad plans now and will try to scan them in. There is a house nearby that looks somewhat similar to what we're planning, so I'll see if I can post a picture of it. I want to make sure everything looks cohesive so that's why I wanted to seek advice for the best way to do that. I've been in some newer homes where it looks like people picked what they like, but it doesn't all fit together in the bigger picture. Pal, you wrote: "there may be something a bit less typical that would look really good." That's exactly what I'd like to find :-) Thanks again!