Oh, sorry, I didn't mean they were hunting, they were just gliding around in circles, very, very high, from what I have read, this is common behavior for red-tailed hawks around this time of year and has something to do with mating. I was able to get a good look with my binoculars and they were definitely hawks. They have been doing this lately, more so on sunny days, usually at least two, sometimes more, but that day there were more of them than I have ever seen! Very pretty!

Hey I think I used to live in that house! Just kidding but I lived in several homes very similar to that when I was in N.O. Let me guess.. no insulation in walls, maybe a bit in attic. Single wood windows, broken sash cords. Hardwood floors, T&G ceilings, knob & tube wireing. Raised crawlspace. Ball & claw tubs (love those!!) How did I do? I loved these old homes, and miss the character now that I am in a different style home. I don't miss the high summer & winter utility bills that were at times more than my rent. Great old place. How long have you had it? What area (general area) of the city are you in?

Oh, what a face! Great-looking little doggie. I agree: Beagle coloring, body and tail, as others have stated. Also shepherd. I don't see aussie cattle in there. Remember that mixed-breed dogs are often a mix of many breeds, not the spawn of two purebreds. So you could pick as many as seem appropriate. For instance, my dog is border-collie, chow, black lab and something small. Plus whatever else she might be...

Colld - You are awesome! Thank you so much for letting me know where to find the Virginia Mist and Jet Mist. Basically I think I need to work backwards - start with the supplier and then find a fabricator who works with them I guess. It sounds like PMI is great. I looked up the stones you mentioned and they are gorgeous! I have never seen the Giallo Matisse - totally beautiful. Will you do them in a different finish? or keep them polished? Eastcoastmom - who did you use to install? Are you in Philly, too? What stone did you choose? I think I need to schedule a babysitter and then do a day long trip of driving to these places. They are probably 1 1/2 hours away from where I live, but well worth the trip if I actually find something I like. I'm completely confused now that the KD said I couldn't pull off Virginia Mist. So I guess I have to rethink everything, even if I go back to VM as what I want. Thanks everyone for all of your kind words and advice. This forum is SO helpful to me right now!