Thank you everyone! I'm in Sonoma County, in the North Bay Area, Sunset zone 14. Are you sure 15'-20' would be enough? I was thinking more along the lines of 30-40', but I'm really bad at estimating how large things are/need to be. My Mother's top choice would be a Mimosa tree because we see them around town doing so well and they are beautiful. I've heard that mimosas tend to create lots of seedlings, but our neighbor has a mimosa tree and we haven't noticed any seedlings on our property in the 5 years we've been living here. We have a fig tree already, it's actually further up the field and from the right angle it does exactly what I want the new tree to do. I could plant a different fruit tree there, but I was under the impression it would need a larger tree than I had planned on putting in my orchard. Although nut trees tend to grow pretty large, maybe a walnut would be good? I'll have to check my Sunset book again, I looked under 'Plants for growing under oaks' and they only listed shrubs, perennials, etc. Further study told me I should absolutely not plant a Bay Laurel tree, but other than that I'm still pretty clueless. I will return to my Sunset guide, and maybe stop by the 'tree farm' that is close to my house. They have a vested interest in selling me something but are very knowledgeable about growing trees in this area, so it should be helpful. Thanks again, I will return with a list of potential trees I'm thinking of ; )

TMan ~ I have tears in my eyes from being your inspiration and reading the lovely presentation you did. I have DH to give credit to for inspiring me and being my personal 'puter tech'and for teaching me to use HTML. I use NoteTab for making my webpages, siggy pages, etc. It is fun to do even if time consuming. Just one little piece of code wrong can mess up the whole thing. It's always great when it comes out right. You did a fantastic job. Thank you for the wintry ride in the country. I could hear the quiet, the horses breathing the leather creaking, the sled swishing along on the snow. Very peaceful and lovely. It is very warm here today. DH and I were out earlier doing some tree trimming, etc. and sweating a bit, as it is 78 degrees here. : -( It does not feel like Christmas. Thanks again for posting your creative work. FlowerLady

What you want to check out is the most open % dark sun shade. Most are going to be made by Phifer and be a Shearweave. The reason you want a dark color is that is absorbs the light so it reduces glare and allows for more visibility. A 5-10% black will allow the best visibility. And if the color matches, there is one color, whos name that eludes me right this second, that has a touch of brown in it that is actually the best for visibility.

Would it be possible to put in a bow window? That would make the middle of the window where the faucet is a few inches deeper - enough to protect the window from splashes and the sill from crumbs, etc. But, I doubt you'll be able to open it...but I'm not sure as I don't know much about bow windows. The other possibility is to have the window just an inch or so off the counter and trim it w/corner round or other small trim. It would keep the "window to the counter" effect while still raising it a tad off the counter and perhaps be less prone to collecting "gunk". It probably won't help with the splashing though. Is it possible to add a 6" bump-out? Something like MamaDadaPaige's or ErikaNH's windows in the threads linked below. They also offer some architectural interest to the outside of the house...assuming it fits the house (or see what you can do to make it "fit".) We have a bay window behind our sink & faucet that's down to the counter and we love it! It gives you such a great expanse of view and you don't feel like you're being cut off from the outside like a raised window does. counter height window pictures please Counter window h[e]ight -- please help! Counter height window owners--Help! Counter Height Window Installation This kitchen has a bow window... Another Finished White Kitchen...But I have morgue drawers