jkom51-- To tell you the truth, If I were interested, I could very easily put together a crew of about 10 people (5 teams) and keep them busy full time with all the work I've been offered all over the country, just from this forum. Some of it has been truly tempting, too, starting with igloochik's home in Alaska, as well as the one she's starting work on in the PNW. Even pcjs's post is tempting! There are several problems, there, though. First, alot of my credibility in the forums comes from the fact that I'm not asking for anything in return for the information I give out here. There are no ulterior motives. I'm here because I want to help people. Secondly, I would most likely run into problems from iVillage, being that then I'd be here for profit. Lastly, and this one would be important to all of you, and that's the fact that in addition to the normal costs of doing the work, there would also be travel expenses, as well as lodging and per diem costs, making it really kind of impractical for me to go around doing the work. Unfortunately. I say unfortunately because right now, the housing market has made work just as scarce here as it is in many other parts of the country, and I'm doing commercial work now, just to stay busy. It IS custom work to be sure (period specific work for the Maine Historical Society in Portland), but none the less commercial work, and I'm not very happy about it. But you do what you have to do. :-)

Joan,that's too funny!!! My best friend and i have told our families that which ever of us dies first,the other gets to be the first one to go in the sewing room and take for free what ever they want,machines included.I have only 1 dd and she doesn't even sew on buttons.My oldest son knows how to sew but no time and my other 2 boys have no interest what so ever. I've told my family that my quilt books are to go to the quilt guild or the library. I do need to check with the library though.What i have is so much newer and better than what they have.Their books are bordering on antique. I jokingly told dh that he could save money,by having them line my casket with my cottons.Of course he didn't think that was funny. Actually you all should all be proud of me,i've cut way back on my buying of fabric.The only thing i've got in the last year is fabric to make baby stuff for the new great gd,and i already sewed it all up and sent it to my gd. If i see something i like,i ask myself if i need it or want it.If it's want,then i pass.I also stay away from the stores.Self control is what i'm practicing these days. Kathi

Oh, how cute that is. I'm always amazed at the antics of cats. ROSEMARYTHYME's cat is the only one I've ever seen that IF I were a cat person, I'd like to have. My DD gave it to them as a kitten. He's a Hemmingway Cat - five fingers, and is the most interesting cat to be around. He checks me out eyeball to eyeball every time I go there, especially when I'm wearing a hat. He gives me the once-over. He also DEMANDS attention - center stage at all times. He's is soooooo beautiful.

If you are not changing the cabinet layout, I’m not sure why you need more tile? But, consider combining a complimentary tile with the existing tile to create a subtle “rug” type pattern in the room. A light to medium gray around the island, and as a border to the room could work. You’ll need a very good tile guy to pull that off well. Deco strips that combine multiple colors can sometimes be the key to making that work. Without a floor plan and pictures of the issue, it’s difficult to give more targeted advice. But, if you’re not working with a Kitchen Designer, I’d strongly suggest that you do so. Good luck!