What is this winter you speak of? LOL, in Miami we're just starting what many folks think of as our best season. I don't mind a little nip in the air; it's getting below 70 at night now so that's officially autumn/winter level. Humidity slightly lower as well and that's also nice. What I really love is the *light* in the winter subtropic season. Hard to describe but it is almost crystalline and everything is in such sharp relief. That along with the intensity of the blue skies...paradise. I've never lived north of the Mason-Dixon line but I do recall those short, gray, sad winter days in Georgia and Virginia. Yuck. Then again I don't really mind summers here either. That's boating/swimming/diving season which is also lots of fun. Nothing like sliding over the side of the boat when the water is the same temperature as the air and you're about to swim along a gorgeous coral reef with that sunshine sparkling through the water. Guess I just wouldn't want to live anywhere else which is good cuz I'm not planning on relocating!

How exciting, on all counts. Hopefully, the kitchen will come together soon and you can enjoy your home. Sorry to hear DS has not been feeling well, hope he's better now. He's such a cutie. You are such a patient, kind mother, and he reflects the love and security he feels. (My DGS has been sick with rotavirus - finally getting better, but it's been hard on his mom, she's 9 months pregnant.) You are certainly keeping busy, now with the adoption, too. I was adopted 61 years ago, and I've had a wonderful life. DS will make a wonderful big brother. Barb

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I think you're correct that using a mix of colors and textures will make both of us happy. DH has agreed to a different color island, but doesn't like the look of painted uppers with stained lowers. He says it's "trendy and weird." I don't understand his logic, but whatever. I am so FRUSTRATED because he cares what the kitchen looks like but doesn't offer many suggestions of his own. He says I can do "whatever," but wants veto power over anything he really hates. Which is pretty much anything that strays from what's on our builder's website. I've decided that I can no longer look at photos of any kitchens with white; it makes me sad. I'm looking for inspiration from stained kitchens that I DO like. So, here's what DH & I can agree on: - a wood species with a very subtle grain - DONE - simple cabinet design without a lot of ornamentation - DONE - a medium or dark stain that doesn't have strong red or yellow undertones - getting there - a light, subtle granite that doesn't hog the spotlight - considering Giallo Ornamental, which should meet that need - a wood floor that contrasts with the cabinets - getting there - doing something very geometric with the backsplash - painted island - still undecided. I love the idea in theory, but I need to figure out how to integrate it with the rest of the design. I'd love tips on how to do this. Would it be accurate to say that given all our neutral choices, the backsplash needs to be the star? In case you're wondering, DH is making concessions, too. Our compromise is that I'll concede quite a bit on the kitchen, but I get full reign to do pretty much whatever I like in the bathrooms. Two of the three bathrooms WILL have white cabinets. :)

Wow, thanks for the compliments and the warm welcome! You guys are great and I'm so excited to finally be participating in this crazy forum:) I've been having computer problems all day, it keeps kicking me out every time I'm halfway through typing my response. this will be my 4th and final attempt to respond tonight...grrrrrr. Barb - I have some blue mirror tiles I was thinking of using on the stand. I'll have to play around with it a little and see what I can come up with. As for the other bowling ball, I want to wait until I have a little more experience and then I'm going to attempt to do one with tiles, plates, etc. Slow - The addiction sure comes on quick does't it? Right now I'm in "hunt and gather" mode, lol. My husband has been really helpful with the search for supplies and is excited to see what I'm gonna do with it all. I have no tools and no pretty glass, but I have my GEII, a hammer and lots of stuff to smash up! I'm not sure what my next project will be, but I'm itchin to start bustin stuff up! I got some fabulous deals, I'll have to post pics of my new treaures. Becky - I looked through the old posts and found your bowling ball pics. It's a beautiful design and I can see that you put a lot of thought into it. I can't wait to see the end result! I do hope that you finish it, I would love to see it. Jane - Yeah, I thought we could use another Canadian here....about the sane part..hmmm...well, we'll have to work on that. Besides, I think that sanity is seriously over-rated, lol. I'd love to see a pic of your twin BB, I couldn't find it in the old posts. By the way, the info on my page is really outdated. We just recently move to Barrie, ON which is about 45 minutes north of Toronto. Thanks for the reminder, I'll have to get in there and bring it up to date. Sunshine - That's exactly what I was afraid of, lol. That nobody would say anything. Wouldn't that be horrible? I know from reading all the old post how encouraging everyone here is and that that would never happen but I have to admit it took a little nudge from DH to get me to take pics and post. Nice - I'm sure I'll post so many pics and questions that you'll be sick of me soon enough, lol. I'll try to behave myself for Jane's sake;) Hrsg - Spent so much time trying to get the puter fixed that I had no time to play. Now it's already time to sleep again. Ah well, tomorrow's another day Sweet Dreams, Cindy