Well dang.... I was sure the link was there. Let's try this again, shall we? Thanks for the head's up, Cindy. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cement balls, a horn, and a face

Awesome pics as always Jim! I really like the new additions. Always wanted to try a Calla "Hercules" and those giant leafed castor beans sound really cool (I think the regular castor beans have pretty giant leaves!). I cant wait to try out castor beans this year. Im directly sowing the seeds in the ground in maybe about a week or 2. I still have to wait a little bit to see how many of the cannas come back up because the castor beans will replace those if they dont come up. Cant wait to see how your saba grows! If they grow faster in their second year then yours will definitely be higher than your porch by late summer. Hopefully mine will be the tallest tropical plant in my yard by July. Those cacti look great and your palms are going to make a great recovery! I really like that agave! Sorry to hear about the T. Ferns. At least the Dicksonia is alive (and it looks good too!). They are very hardy tree ferns. Mine looked bad after being "underwatered" (I put that in quotes because I think I watered it pretty well, but the fried fronds would disagree), but it made a flush of fronds indoors and looks a lot more acceptable now. Im probably going to plant it in the ground especially now that I see yours did so well! Thanks for sharing! -Alex

I didn't comment on the shower curtain, because I was a bit confused. By needing an extra long curtain, I didn't know if you meant height or width? I assumed you meant floor to ceiling, but if so, how would a standard liner work, but not a standard curtain? I assumed you were using an L bracket rod mounted at standard height (looks like a standard shower/tub enclosure)? But maybe not?! Are you planning to mount a ceiling rod? Sorry, I'm just not following ,,, Well regardless, here are a few comments: 1) My number one priority would be to properly manage moisture (keep as dry as possible). 2) If at possible, I would first look to using a standard (72x72) curtain (it will be cheaper, you will have more options, and you can more easily change up the look). 3) Start with a good liner mounted at the proper height (not too short and not too long) that doesn't fly around. 4) Whatever I hung in that area, I would want it to be moisture/mildew resistent, provide ventilation/wicking, have rust proof hardware, etc As such, I would first look to a quality shower curtain, which are available in taller lengths. If looking at drapes, I would probably start with indoor/outdoor drapes. Regarding your question on the door, I would probably paint it white/neutral (or faux pine) because I would not want the door to be a focal point, but rather have it blend in. As far as color scheme ,,, on my monitor the tile looks like it has blue undertones, so maybe blue rugs and towels (with a couple of red accent towels), a pattern shower curtain (e.g. a tartan plaid with blue, gray, red, and browns). A red waste basket. Art work that has red, blue, gray, brown, etc... You'll have lots of good options!! Here is a link that might be useful: Trax ceiling shower rods

Thanks for your thoughts. I just figured some people might want to see what can happen when you give in to every bell & whistle ;^) Let me answer the questions: Morton5: yes, if you look at the Before pic, you can see just how narrow a space we had there to sit and eat. The sink was constantly splashing the people there. We did away with the island completely in the end, though, and love the new layout. Redroze: I just keep it in this olive oil dispenser. The other dispenser there is for hand soap. I found the brush at Bed Bath & Beyond. It's specifically made to wash crystal glasses with, but I use it for my everyday glasses, too. After all the stuff I had drilled into my last counter/sink area, I tried to avoid drilling holes in this new one. Holes are so permanent, you know? "> Eandhl: It's Kohler's Vinnata in the brushed nickel and we love it. Brad, here's a couple, plus one of the KA's plan for that area: "> This was taken as we were moving back in, so it's a mess. "> "> Mominthedubc: The filtered water faucet is meant to work on R/O's (Reverse Osmosis filtration systems), which is what we have here. It's not meant to be used with a hot water system. Anyhoo, it's Kohler's Wellspring in the brushed nickel to coordinate with theiir Vinnata. BTW, it's made wonderfully, compared to all the other beverage faucets we've had in the past. Davewg: you're going to love the Vinnata! I can't wait to see your finished kitchen. Hang in there! Talley Sue: that's fantastic! I had no idea those things existed. I've already copied the info to show DH. Thanks!