Was at L's yesterday trying to buy wood-crafting tools they don't even sell (go figure!) and the few TC's left were on clearance. The $10 were $5 and the $3 plants were .50. Although there were several bigger ones with white, very white flowers, even I couldn't rationalize such a purchase with the present-budget. So I got 7 little .50 ones with the lightest colored buds. For $3.50, worth waiting for a year to see what they open to, assuming all of these buds will fall off as I'm expecting. I also picked up all of the broken pieces from the floor & stuck them in the tray. A few look promising, and total mysteries regarding flower color. Now, where in the world am I going to put these things? I'm pretty sure I'll be cutting more/bigger holes in the sides of hanging baskets & sticking them in those. Seriously no room for any more pots!

I just got back from looking at the 30" model. It was hooked up, so I saw the burners in action, but there was no hood so I couldn't actually try it out to cook anything. I have attached a link to some pics of the burners, drip pans/tray, etc. My initial thoughts, in no specific order... 1. As with all the American Range ranges, it is very well put together. Seams and corners are finished nicely. Understated look, less industrial by far than bluestar but not overly softened...just really straightforward pro-look. 2. The approach is a little different than bluestar, there is both a drip tray under everything and also separate drip pans under/around each set of two burners. More like the Bluestar drop-in cooktop, less like the range. Reminded me a bit of the Jade residential open burner ranges. 3. The drip pans are black enameled steel, and are very deep - seems like the likelihood of things actually making it to the drip tray is pretty slim. They also, however, don't seem to have any obvious way to get a grip on them to remove them...it was a bit fussy when I did it. 4. All the burners click when you ignite any single burner. 5. The center area on the 30" is a removable stainless steel piece...I don't know if they are going to offer an optional grate, but it seems like it would be really simple to get something to work even if they don't. 6. Unlike the other American Range ranges, the grates are free-floating...there are no "dents' for the feet to rest in and hold them in place. AS a result, the grates move around a bit more, and are noisier...this is especially noticeable because of the other "moving parts" (i.e., the drip pans and tray)...its a little "clanky." 7. My big reservation...the grates are really, really high. Pots are going to end up really far above the flames, which kind of seems to defeat the purpose of having super-powerful burners. I would be concerned that in the real world a lot less heat would be transferred to the pan on this than on, say, a bluestar (or probably a culinarian, but I haven't actually seen one of those in person yet). I may be wrong about this, but it worries me...I hope somebody does do some real world comparison testing soon. That's it for my iniitial thoughts. If anybody has any specific questions, feel free to ask and if I can answer it based on my look today I will. Here is a link that might be useful: pics

I purchased Ox Hill in Picket Fence for my laundry room and we are installing them now. They are laminate doors, not painted. I looked everywhere for a nice looking, low cost cabinet since it was only the laundry room. I was going with Ikea but they didn't really have the sizes that I wanted. I paid about $3500 before taxes for 8 cabinets with crown molding, base molding, etc. I upgraded to plywood only for the sink base and the tall cabinet. Overall, I think they are good cabinets for someone with a moderate budget. They look great and the soft close doors and drawers are very nice. My only hesitation for a kitchen would be that they are made of 3/8" furniture board for the sides and backs instead of 1/2". If I were putting them in a kitchen, I would upgrade to plywood wherever they may get a lot of use. The only thing I'm disappointed in so far is that the tall cabinet (90") has a detached base and now I have a seam that will show (no cabinet next to it). I'll have to put some kind of molding to cover the seam and I haven't figured out the best way to do this that will look good. I can post pictures once the cabinets are finished if you're interested.

"don't talk about me while I'm away! " I didn't say a word! actually, I forgot it was Tues. I was too tired to go to the store/bank on Mon, so yesterday I forced myself out into the big bad world. I was very low on cash here. well, until after I went to the bank - later I found another 60.00 in my purse so I'd have been fine... dang it. well, I was out of goodies anyway... I'd finished off my 2 slices of cheesecake... I'd finished off my pkg of those raspberry cookies last wkend... I hate to be without sweets! I did knock off about 4 errands tho. 3 were just quick in/out stops. I did get frustrated and panicky after 1 stop when I couldn't find my keys. in the heat (it was hot here) I was in/ out of the back seat, front seat (both sides). the door on the drivers side wouldn't open - something wrong with the handle. I had to crawl over the seat from passenger side. what a bummer. after about 20min or so (and checking in the store) I found the keys. I'd sat everything on the hood when the door wouldn't open. I then picked up my purse and pkg to put in car - but left the keys and forgot they were there. that exhausted me. and I know it means a trip to the mechanic to get that door fixed - again. They changed it out a few yrs back- and here I am again. by the time I got home, I just wanted out of my 'go to town' clothes (which aren't a big deal - just not the grubs or nightshirt I wear around here), get a cold drink and lie down. I didn't want to do anything! shades - I am glad to hear you got some extra rest.