Franknjim, I only grow in pots and I don't cut scapes. My risk is significantly less than you guys who grow them in the ground. Besides, I can't resist a bargain occasionally. AND, they're like puppies, if I don't take them, who will? Also, I don't recall anyone who has mentioned getting a diseased plant from Lowe's. I understand the concern for buying bare root, boxed plants from the Netherlands that are sold at Sam's and Costco. But most all the plants at the major stores come from major vendors like Q & Z and Walters. They're grown out in pots and sold the next season. That's the same sources the specialty hosta growers use. Lowe's is not buying from backyard growers. It would take a major, licensed nursery to grow enough plants for Lowe's. Major, licensed nurseries hire trained horticulturists to oversee their operations. I would be more concerned with where some of the local nurseries are getting their stock. They're the ones more likely to be buying from a backyard grower. Besides, it was there. I didn't have to wait for someone to mail it to me. bkay

I am always grateful for another opinion, Mom. You see things I don't and with a more objective eye. I guess it is not very clear that each color of cabinet is built as a stand-alone piece. It's hard to come up with something for the Napanee Kitchenet and the ss frig. At one point, they didn't have any 'new' cabinetry surrounding the two pieces. Maybe that looked better. The cabinet designer didn't like it at all. Maybe because there were less cabinets to be built? The peninsula is built-ins: a sink and DW. Any ideas about that? The sink faucet is mounted on the raised wall behind the sink. The back side is cabinetry: 6'' deep behind the DW and to the right of the sink the cab in 36''w x 30''d and accessible from the table side. The Nap Kitchenet should be fine where it is. Nearly all the baking is in the little oven to the left, and all the baking supplies are in the Kitchenet and the left cupboard. The view, I wish there was a good viewscape. The back of the pantry overlooks the street. There is a small kitchen garden between the street and the house that is visible from the cooking wall windows. The best view is toward the side of the house, out the windows of the prep counter. It will change once the garage is built, but landscaping will be with the kitchen view in mind.

Is that a tv? Is that what you are asking about? If so, that choice seems a bit odd to me for what looks to be a dining area. is there another place for the tv to go? If you’re asking about the general decor above the sideboard, it seems a little busy. I’d defintely remove everything (provided you have other options for the tv) and try one large art piece that you love.

I'm a little nervous about a potted plant being on an heirloom. It looks like the pot isn't porous, but temperature changes could lead to slight condensation. I would hate to have a ring there. I like the picture of your father-in-law there or other items of his. You did a great job cleaning up both the chest and mirror, and that's a great place for them both. Do lower the mirror.