Chickadee, I am reading your posts and your focus seems to be on how much nitrogen (greens) you are adding to the pile. Yet, I am wondering just how much carbon (browns) is in this pile? I have seen the same results you describe when too much nitrogen sources are added to a pile; piles will not always reek to high heaven (stink) when too much nitrogen is added. So, my question to you in searching for your solution is just how much carbon is within this pile you are having a problem with? If one wants to attempt to create compost in the fastest amount of time the idea is to shred and mix all the material when creating the pile, turning the pile frequently (sometimes daily), making sure the moisture content is correct, and the C:N ratio is correct. Although I have gotten to the point that speed is not important, I do feel empathy for your situation. Other members in your zone may have additional suggestions (Tiffy comes to mind) that may have been overlooked. The carbon (browns) question may be the key Blutranes

Resurfacing is temporary but not the worst -- it salvages a tub & makes it quite usable. If you want to do it, have it delivered straight to the "refinisher." In the future someone can come to your home to re-do it as only the inside will need refreshing. But as GreenDesigns says, the update won't be longterm or porcelain. I have a claw foot tub, original to the house, but I don't recommend them. Here's why: 1) They are horrible to clean under and around. Quickly you discover why tubs evolved into smooth creatures. 2) You may not get the fantasy soak you seek if the overflow drain is low. Codes get in the way of circumventing drain placement or lack thereof. 3) Cast iron tubs make heavy immovable flowerpots. (I do know folks who've rigged them out back for garden soaks, great ice breaker at parties!) On the up side, these old cast iron tubs retain heat in your bathwater wonderfully. And you can't have too much fun in a garden. I'll be curious to hear what you decide to do.

I didn't quite get that. What's the drawback for over-sizing on heating? I'm doing intentional over-sizing here to accommodate our major need, which is cheap heating (the same reason as people using Acadia heat pumps). From what I understand, oversized cooing may cause some problem with humidity removal being not enough (for which I am addressing with a two-stage system). Never heard anything about heating though. Could somebody enlighten me, please?

I have a Kenmore Elite French door as well and it's by far my favorite of all the models I've owned. LG makes it for Sears and I have the water dispenser in the door (hubby's desire) and the ice in the bottom freezer. It also has the grey sides so that if it's not built in, is less obvious. We love ours for the satin finish that it has. Unlike stainless, there are no fingerprints to contend with! But it looks just like stainless and sits beside the stainless wall ovens and you don't notice any difference in materials. I love the adjustable, pull-out shelves because even though I'm 5'2" I can still reach things in the back on the shelves. Both crispers have tilt-out front sections for delicate fruits or vegetables and individual humidity controls. The bottom freezer door also tilts out as well as pulls. It's very convenient for grabbing smaller items on the inside door rack. Two separate freezer bins as well as a top pull out rack make finding things easy. The bottom freezer has a bottom tray instead of a rack and I like this for preventing ice cubes, etc from falling underneath and onto the floor. The only drawback I've read was that the ice maker bin sometimes dumps ice when the top drawer is pulled out. I avoided this problem by doing what some others recommended-turn off the icemaker when it's full. :-) Sears is having a sale right now if you have a card. We bought ours through the PX and avoided the sales tax. Also, one last thing. The water filter is in a VERY convenient place for changing! That's important to me. Hope this helps. Susan