i love AB but i agree bevangel, it's difficult to find. i really like the color in comparison to the ORB which seems so stark in comparison. i have to thank you for bringing it up. i've been inclined to go with ORB not because i'm in love with it, but because when our french doors appeared on our build the hinges were in the ORB finish. i'll have to speak with the GC about the possibility of changing them out. our windows are in but there is no hardware up yet. i suppose this would be the time to change if i were to do so! i can't remember if emtek has an AB finish? anyone know? athensmom: do you know what the emtek knobs are made from? trying to determine how they'll wear since i like the ORB finish MUCH more when it wears. the living finishes appeal to me more than the sealed. i've never seen or heard of ashley norton hardware so i'll have to check that out too! firsthouse: did you know i was thinking of using those latches on our mudroom bath? have that site bookmarked but was hoping to find a supplier in the US. i think they're FABULOUS. just one of those little details that really make a home! also was planning on using a shop bell for our secondary entrance as a doorbell but that's not quite working out with my husband's high tech alarm system. somehow he has talked me into the need to speak to whomever is ringing the bell before i actually open the door. i suppose it's a good idea in theory. (?) what pic are you talking about? i purchased our kitchen pendants from williams-sonoma home and posted a pic of them several times but they are not installed yet. maybe you're thinking of an inspiration pic? i'll post some progress shots soon. i need to get ready for trip next week so there are a BAZILLION other things that need doing right now! thanks so much for all the comments and direction. this is really an overwhelming project and it's just too easy to make regrettable decisions. i don't think i can go wrong with either the ORB or the AB though. they just seem too timeless to ever be considered a mistake.

I just received one from Stonebridge Life Ins. Co. regarding "Epsilon's breach" in security. However, the email I received asks for no reply. Seems just to be a notification of the Epsilon problem. It reads as follows: "Epsilon Email Issue We were recently informed by Epsilon, a marketing vendor used by Stonebridge Life Insurance Company and its affiliates to send emails, that an unauthorized third party gained access to email files of a number of Epsilon�fs clients, including our email lists. For your security, you are receiving this notice from us because Stonebridge Life Insurance Company or its affiliates has sent you information via email in the past using Epsilon as our vendor. What information was accessed? Your email address and first name has been accessed. No other personal information regarding you was accessed. How does this impact you? In all likelihood, this will not impact you. However, we recommend that you continue to be cautious of unwanted emails, emails that contain links with potential viruses or emails prompting you to provide personal or financial information. We urge you to be cautious when opening links or attachments from unknown third parties. What is Epsilon doing about this? Epsilon has notified us that they have identified the cause of the breach and have taken the necessary steps to prevent additional data access. Epsilon has reported this incident to the appropriate authorities for investigation. We sincerely regret any concern or inconvenience this may have caused you. Your privacy and the security of your information is a top priority for us. Sincerely, Stonebridge Life Insurance Company and its Affiliates 2700 West Plano Parkway �� Plano, Texas 75075-8200" The above email from Stonebridge made it past my McAfee and personal IP spam filters. I assume it was able to do so as there was no real phishing contained therein? I really didn't think much about opening the email since I receive both personal and business emails through my email address. I think I have been lulled into a false sense of security, relying on McAfee and my IP spam filter to catch spam. Our IP spam filter is so diligent/effective that I have to review the daily reports with a fine tooth comb as emails that I do want to receive have gotten caught up in the IP spam filter. That said, I am fairly certain that I haven't communicated with Stonebridge Life Insurance for any reason, either through the business or personally. Thanks so much for posting this information!

CK and Four - I am dying to see them also. Have to wait until April 27th for the install! Cabinets progressing. I posted a few on other posts, but will post a few teasers here (yes, Four, the answer is yes) West wall (I could only do one glass front as I am not all that organized to show off multiple cabinets). The box to the left is my mock up sink and faucet to decide on final faucet placement! We are also moving the double light switch to the dining room as current placement will split the backsplash and really no way to go further since the door does not have a "frame". South Wall - microwave goes away - GC keeping us kitchen operational as much as possible (but no sink or faucet right now) North wall - note the paint samples inside the oven box - we chickened out on the etruscan and went more neutral East wall - "MINE!" - my cave. DH has a matching one on the other side with a bench between. I put power inside to charge "toys". Also power at bottom of bench Still undecided on back splash - I have not ruled out basic tile (CK) or possibly back painted glass tile - larger format but not templates. Stay tuned - hope to have it painted by the weekend!

Found leaf roller type caterpillers IN my kumquats. Hand picked for now (fun) and am debating a spray. I don't have any Bt on hand, so I'm pondering neem. Found a small anole on another kumquat. It was evening so he was tucked in for the night. Would like to think they are out there looking for those cats. I think I've seen them eat moths, so that's good. My other plants get patrolled by the small wrens, but they don't seem to check out the citrus. If the turtle could climb, I suppose he'd take care of those cats. The cats are quite speedy, but also if that turtle, actually. Very, very few frogs this year. Very unusual. I need to review the specifics as to what benefits these have: ProTekt (or similar) , foliar kelp. For a 'strengthen the plant' type approach.