I can only answer from a man's point of view so Im sure there will be many differing opinions about the faucet difference but I would not want a faucet that just poured water straight down the drain. There might be a splash factor but when I think of rinsing dishes, as an example, the water pouring into the sink is rinsing the sink and other dishes as it runs. Additionally if you are filling the sink to wash a few dishes or other items, the water aimed at the sink will start the dilution of your soap more readily of it is playing off the sink bottom as opposed to the drain. Before I mention names of online suppliers that offer free shipping I feel it necessary, because of a recent accusation, to say that I am reasonably well known for a blogsite I maintain that is sponsored by National Builder Supply. I am not an employee, do not own it (I wish I did) nor am I paid (the owner is a good friend and I give him credit on the blog site because he does a great job and Im a satisfied customer). I am disabled retired accountant with parkinsons and I pass my days by writing the blog and reading and participating in over 30 discussion groups such as Garden Web and just enjoy helping folks. With that said there are many sites that give free shipping on merchandise, including NBS, but most have a requirement for a certain purchase amount usually $100 to $199. Watch the sights carefully because the prices can seem low but by the time you get done with your shopping the freight if not free at some level can make the price exorbitant. Now so that it will be obvious that I am not prejudiced to just NBS, my experience level and the retailers that I hear the most good about that have these free shipping policies are NBS, FaucetDirect, E Faucets. Im sure there are many more and you will probably be swamped with other suggestions but I believe reputation wise those 3 are the best. And no I also am not employed nor own any of the other 2 either...LOL

MUA should really be provided mechanically, not through “drafty” walls, crawl spaces or attics. The hood you are purchasing should provide you with the volume of MUA that is required to run the system efficiently, assuming it is correctly sized with your gas range. Your log stove should have its own MUA system, but if you are relying on the hood system, it needs to be sized to accommodate both the log stove AND your gas range. The International Building Code for Residential Construction should provide all of the details you need (in the mechanical code) for this system - even if your local jurisdiction or contractors are not familiar with it.

Here is an article from Wirecutter about over the counter hearing aids. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/signs-of-hearing-loss-otc-hearing-aids-could-help/ Mine look like the Lively 2 Pro. Mine are from ReSound and cost $6k a year ago. They were fitted by an audiologist with a Masters degree at my ENT’s office. She is able to make adjustments and send them to my hearing aids over the internet. Mine are controlled through my iPhone. There is a button on mine where I can control volume, but I’ve never learned to use it, because it is so easily done from my phone. Mine are pretty much invisible. The thing behind my ear was ordered to match my hair color. the wire that goes from it to the part in my ear is very fine. The audiologist taught me where to put it so that it blends in with my ear. I can wear my hair behind my ears without the hearing aid showing. I agree with AD, your mother needs to be seen by an ENT. I blame my hearing loss on jet engines from my days as a flight attendant and from playing music too loudly. The audiologist said my hearing loss is barely at the level for hearing aids. I bought them mainly to appease DD. I say she talks too fast and does not enunciate clearly. She said I needed hearing aids. HA! @daisychain Zn3b, If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them, if I can.

long term best to get a range and hood on your exterior wall...left of window??...do you have some wall space there? 2nd best would be on fridge wall ..they go up into soffit w one 90 degree turn to the exterior . kind of tough because your kitchen is large and you probably arent ready for a big remodel right away which is wise. I dont think I'd vent a hood up at the island spot..... esp since you have abundant space to rework this.....if you removed cabinets left of window ..install range and hood / got a new top for the island/ left in place the wall oven and microwave ...seems okay . you have inherited builder grade stuff- [cabs and formica ] it appears / perfectly reasonable to do something this narrow in scope right now. perhaps the formica can be cut to make room for the stove on exterior wall....save a rip out cost which would get me going on the project.. If you think a full remodel could happen in 3-5 years..... [big space - save and plan] I'd wait .