As it stands now, the path system is pretty much the dominant central feature of the yard. I can imagine that if it were built with a pronounced color material, it would stand out like a sore thumb. The garden might make a better central feature. I am not submitting this sketch as THE solution for your paths, but only as a sample of how you could clean up the geometry of the layout. I think you should first think about if the shape of any of the elements of your yard could be made more functional and then, more interesting. As an example I changed the raised beds to make them more reflective of the shape of the deck. Doing that and moving them over a little bit helped to eliminate almost duplicate paths, which look like they might both end up being slightly pinched in your layout. After giving the elements themselves another brainstorming session, I'd draw the route--simply as "lines in the grass"--that you would walk to all the elements, for whatever reasons you would go. After you see all the routes, then look for any opportunities to adjust the location of the element to improve the route. After adjusting the best you can, apply geometric beautification to your routes. This is where you simplify, organize and search for attractive patterns... primarily using geometric shapes. (If you go all cattywampus here, figure on it not looking good.) For example, I can see another way that K could be connected. It's the path that I didn't color in. Whether it works, or not, depends on the routes that you've identified. (Which I have no knowledge of; my drawing is just bouncing off of the paths that you submitted.) It's an adjusting process where you would move an element if it improves the pathway system and the overall layout. For elements that are to be built in the future, you have the flexibility to place doorways and "destinations" where you want. So it would be good to design them in ways that improve your pathway system... whenever possible. Shape and arrange things the way you want them to be. I would explore tying the deck and raised garden system together in some way, if that works for you. (I don't know much about your property and probably won't make the effort until pictures appear directly on the thread.) Don't think too much about plants now, except in a general way, until you get the hardscape worked out.

The other possibility is, if you can use a saw and hammer, etc., is to make a set of slots out of 2x4s and plywood. Sort of like very narrow cubbies, but maybe w/ an open top. Scooters can fold up, though of course it would be best if you didn't have to. one bike rack (flat on the ground) http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/weekend/bikerack.shtml a bunch of plans, click on the "bike rack" link; you could maybe add some plywood panels about 6 inches apart to slip the scooters between. THIS ONE looks promising. Maybe you could slip a scooter into the same exact slots. Here's a pic of a commercial scooter rack; maybe it would give you ideas about what sort of "slots" you'd need to add on a bike rack? http://www.ufpi.com/literature/bikerack-62.pdf Here is a link that might be useful: commercial scooter stand, you could bolt several to a piece of plywood

Buy the dry plaster compound that you mix with water. It has a very short working time (about 12 minutes according to the label), so only mix a small amount at a time, and start out with a relatively thin layer. Its easier to built it up a little at a time than it is to have a big sanding job at the then. Adding additional water to the mix does not extend the working time because its a chemical reaction as it sets. Just be patient. I would also suggest one of the large drywall sanding pads from Home Depot or Lowes that are about 10" x 4" or larger. It will make it much easier to get a smooth finish. Smaller sanding blocks work okay but you will get ridges and swales because of the size of the block and because many of them are flexible. Larger, less flexible sanding pads work better to smooth out your mistakes. Bruce

Hi Carol, I am building out my hometheater in a basement and can help you a little on your speaker/placement issue since I have researched the topic. You have a giant space that you want filled with sound. Given your layout, for TV/Movie watching, I would stick with a 2.1 or 3.1 system (Front R, Center Channel, Front L) and the .1 is the subwoofer. Your rear speakers (for a 5.1 sytstem) are too far away to be used in that manner. Also, given how big your space is, you would need a massive subwoofer or 2 to properly pressurize the room for theater type bass. However, that doesnt mean you cant enjoy some of the bass. Proper placement of a subwoofer involves doing a subcrawl, however, for your purposes, I would probably place it in a corner maybe under the TV. This is will give you some "corner loading" which can maximize some bass (although its more "boomy" rather than a nice even bass sound". Don't put the sub in a cabinet. Ideally, you want the center channel directly under or over the TV aimed out the main listening position so you perceive the dialogue as coming from the TV. Now you also stated that your husband wants music and if you want music in your den and in the dining room, I would put two speakers in the dining room area and hook these up to the "zone 2" section of your receiver. That will allow you to play music in your den and dining room at the same time or each area independently (the midrange recievers, <$600, will allow you to play the SAME source in each zone. If you want to play two different sources, you will need to spend more). If this were my floorplan, this is how I would do it, even though you will have to sacrifice a "true 5.1" setup because your space doesnt really allow it, unless you are willing to put two in ceiling speakers (as rears) above the wing back chairs or speakers on stands behind the wingbacks. Now for products. Receiver: Get a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver with Zone 2 functionality. Denon, Yamaha It seems like you want things discreet, so I would recommend bookshelf speakers. While small, you can achieve great sound for your space. Chane (http://www.chanemusiccinema.com/chane-loudspeakers), Wavecrest (http://www.wavecrestaudio.com/products/hvl-1-two-way-loudspeaker-pair), Infinity (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WY7c39wmgNu/fg_37900_FFBrand%7CInfinity/Infinity-Bookshelf-Speakers.html). Ideally, you want matching speakers for your FR, C, and FL. There are a million speaker companys out ethere. These are in a good price range, recommended often around the internet. And as a disclaimer, I am in no means a pro or audiophile, these are just some ideas I came across in planning my own room.