My Performer range has been in use daily for almost two years (plus an intermittent year prior to that). I am really happy with it and the cooking results. I have also found it light-years easier that the Wolf AG to clean. (I did not replace the Wolf, which I liked, but we moved.) It had seemed to me that the oven might be turning on and off while in use more than in the first year lately, but perhaps not--I am also the one who suddenly looks at a mole and things, "how long has it been that color?" despite seeing it every day. Murch, I read the negative reviews you linked to. One confusion is that people will report problems with the ovens, the ranges, and the company all in one thread. The ovens seem to be more problematic than the ranges. Perhaps I have been lucky, but would not change my decision. I agree totally that the company should stand behind their products, but have not had any to deal with. should add--the Burners do poof when extinguishing, at least the 25k, but not as much as the Wolf. But I had the older semi-open Wolf.

Red, I am a 'newbie' on this thread. But not to reclaiming my mojo! I hope you feel welcomed and reclaim RED! ((((((GO! GO! RED MOJO!!!!!!))))) How do YOU feel about the weight you have gained? IS it compromising your health? Attempting to reclaim that healthy gal inside is only something you can do for YOU, and only when you are really ready. If this is a path you want to explore, then #1 is see your GP first, they will be a great guide as to how and what changes will reignite your RED MOJO! With pain problems walking can seem like a real chore- have you ever tried water based workouts- aerobics/ swimming? They may help as there is not the pressure and impact. Oh... and on the arm flab thing... don't talk to me about that!! Whaaaaaaaa! : ( Mine are like empty PJ bags, or wings or some such. NO amount of muscle will fix them (well maybe Arnold Swarz size arms... but not sure if that's a good look on a short lady! hee hee hee) As an ex nail biter and picker, I think it is definately a habit. Each time you catch yourself at your nails choose to stop, do something else to occupy your hands- I made a habit of painting nail strengthener each day. While I can grow may nails long (eg if I have an upcoming event) I choose to keep them a practical length-just past the tip of my finger. They annoy me less that length too. I think a great MOJO activation method is a new hairstyle and a set of clothes- you can get off that plane and see your mum feeling good about yourself. There is more to being a great person than what you weigh and how long your nails are. Oh and to your mum- if she comments on your weight, say 'It's amazing how genetics play such a part in your chance for weight gain' and smile sweetly :) Em

We checked out a few different places per the kitchen designer. Average prices for soapstone in this area per our experience was $90-110 per sqft. My husband was actually looking on craig's list for remnants when he found an advertisement from Integrity Stone. Our soapstone is considered the classic soapstone. Probably the softest of the varieties...your fingernail can scratch it. We have had it installed for a little over a year and a half. I certainly don't baby it and we are very pleased with it. There are a few minor dings here and there...are style is a little on the rustic side and I love the living, worn look. I do oil it from time to time when the mood strikes. I will attach a few pictures today that I took after I oiled it. I would definitely give Integrity Stone a call-Sarena works in the office.

Absolutely lovely, John - that's what teas SHOULD look like. As Buford said, for those of us that zone push and grow teas anyway, they'll never look like that. The best I've been able to do in zone 5 (wildly out of traditional tea territory) is pictured below, and that was after a mild 2012-3 winter. All of the teas Virginia listed except Lady Hillingdon are in this picture - 'Mrs B R Cant', 'Maman Cochet', 'Mme Antoine Mari' and 'Duchesse de Brabant', as well as Georgetown Tea - but they're mostly not the most showy rose pictured. Mme. Antoine Mari is probably the best in this shot, the light pink to the left of the narrow leaf walkway to the right. In my zone, teas can get dwafed by floribundas and HTs. I've recently planted Monsieur Tillier, Lady Hillingdon, and Rainbow in the tea bed and we'll see how they do. Christopher's comment that the teas really need the summer heat may explain why I can get away with some zone pushing here, as well as babying the whole area of this bed with full leaf bags propped around and among the roses to cut the wind and add an extra zone's protection from winter. We get 90's and 100's throughout much of July and August, and the teas tend to like that. They do die to the ground like a majority of the rest of my roses, but they mostly recover and bloom in the summer on new growth. Of course, Brandon's information is the most useful for your question, and it sounds like it may be worth trying teas in your region. They may not be as large or full of bloom as in places like California, but I still love them. Cynthia