Hi Kirk 1977, I invite you to have alook at my hydroponic site from Australia. I grow in 150 mm (6 inch) plastic stormwater pipe, use sand as a medium, run my pump for no more that thirty minutes per day, and grow plenty of salad vegetables for the kitchen table. My site shows how to set up such a system, make your own nutrient solutions from basic chemicals, where to get them from, how to adjust the formula, hints for success, an FAQ section, and links to other hydroponic sites .... none of which appear to use sand. It also includes plenty of 800 x 600 photographs, and an email address if you ever get stuck. To find it, just type Simple Sand Hydroponics into Google, or use the URL below. Jimr007 Australia. Here is a link that might be useful: Simple Sand Hydroponics

Snowyshasta, I just re-read your first post, and noticed you had talked about a rain showerhead, but then said later you probably wouldn't get one. I have to tell you, we have one, and my husband loves that more than anything else in that shower. Our grumpy plumber tried to talk us out of it, and said we wouldn't have enough water pressure in our 100-plus year old house. We didn't listen to him, and it turns out he was completely wrong. We love the rain head shower, and it has plenty of pressure, even when two of the showers are on at one time. My husband says it's because a lot of the pipes leading to that bathroom are new. I have no idea. It makes the bath feel very spa-like. You also mentioned a tub. Here is our kids' bath with a tub and handheld shower. We just bought a tub/shower combination fixture (Kohler), which are pretty common, and replaced the regular shower head with a hand held (same model as in our master bath). I guess if you wanted to add a third shower head, you would then also need a diverter.

I have a miele dishwasher -sorry I don't have photos, but I do remember that the plumbing is a little different than most dishwashers. I think they extend (maybe even double) to warranty period if you use a certified Miele installer. Apparently, if it isn't installed properly there can be problems. The one time I had to call their customer service department, they were very helpful. Maybe they can answer your question. By the way, I love that dishwasher - it's a dream! Good Luck.

murraysmom, we had a full fledged blizzard here last night. It had been raining then snowing since late afternoon, but by a little after 9pm. the wind and snow began big time. It was a white-out for the cars on the highway beyond, they had their flashers on. It continued for 45min. then the wind finally died down. This morning there was at least 3" of snow on the ground and the road out front was ice. Now temp is going up so ice is gone and I see green patches coming out from beneath the snow. The daffodils are flattened. The almanac had called for a blizzard at the end of March, so they weren't far off.