The mulch looks fine, can't really go wrong about laying it down. But the beds are a bit short on the vertical aspect.. However, that could be that you are just using it as a border and growing into your native soil, so if that's the case, then it's good too. You can try to grow your vine plants upward so that they don't block your paths.

I'm envious of your tomatoes. We can't grow tomatoes here at the immediate coast but last summer we made another stab at a veggie garden & planted 10 heirloom tomatoes (along with other bunny delights!). Well, we had an abnormal summer with scorching hot sun every day & little rain. The tomatoes thrived. We got over confident & planted 12 heirlooms this spring. This year, we're having our normal weather...temps in the mid-60s to mid-70s, marine layer creating what we call "Mystic Pewter Skies", & abundant rainfall (already over 5" with more this week). The tomatoes are miserable, several have keeled over dead, a couple more are in the hospital & are unlikely to recover, & the rest are just sitting there looking just as they did back in mid-May. :( Enjoy your harvest! For yummy dehydrated tomatoes...slice, cover in red wine, sprinkle with salt, basil, & oregano & refrigerate covered overnight. Drain & dehydrate as usual. Delicious. No opinion on notebook vs tablet but I love my new Sony Google TV. Surfing the net & sending emails while I watch TV is great. /tricia

I am not an expert. I do not have a mulit-cooker. High pressure for cooking is 12 psi. A stove-top one can get to 15 psi. All that means is that an electric device takes longer to cook the food but it's measured in minutes. Not a deal breaker but be aware that using recipes from other sources will mean adding time. I have not come across an electric PC that reaches 15 psi. You need to fill the inner pot at least 1/5 full to use it. It may not be able to PC small amounts. I don't know if the max and min or marked on the pot, though. Stews will need 5-6 cups of liquid to prevent burning. Looks like you you 19 cups of volume available for foods that don't expand while cooking. 14 cups for those that do. From the manual: Be aware that certain foods,such as applesauce,cranberries,pearl barley, oatmeal or other cereals, split peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, or spaghetti can foam, froth, sputter, and clog the pressure release device (steam vent). These foods should not be cooked in a pressure cooker. It says that you can use this to pressure can. I would not advise this since elevation plays a key role and you don't know how it would affect the amount of pressure you can achieve. I can't imagine that it holds 4 qt jars, which is the starting point for USDA recommendations. I use non-stick for certain things. I follow the guidelines and really don't worry about it. Each person needs to make that decision for themselves. I don't worry about aluminum, either, but then I eat out and use induction so I don't have the option at home.

WOW! Thanks to all for the wonderful comments. I'm pleased with my choice, or should I say my DH's choice, which is why I was a bit concerned if everything would blend. I agree once all the finishing touches are complete, most importantly the backsplash, I will be so happy. vampiressm - I wasn't sure about the green either, but made my choice early on, so I stuck with it there really weren't any other colors I really loved. Anyway, i could always change the paint color down the road. beekeeperswife - you're funny! I'm not sure the 700 lbs of granite will be going anywhere. Its starting to grow on me. I'm loving it! debrak2008 - I'm thrilled that you saved my kitchen as an inspiration! Makes me feel real good about my design and choices. and to those who noticed my Roxy girl - she's a sweet dog! She's been a trooper living through our kitchen demo. I'm sure she'll be excitred to have a new eating area. Anyone with backsplash ideas, please keep them coming. I have no idea what to do.