Buehl, please do! I was just trying to save something of use. I'd been checking the GW all night, turned my back for 15 minutes to watch the Health Care vote, and whammo! all the posts were gone. I kept refreshing, thinking, "This can't be!"

Pick whichever counter is the one that really makes you happy. The only thing getting me through the etching of my super white is the fact that I love it so much. I'd hold off on making any backsplash choices right now. Wait until you have counters, cabinets, floor, etc in place. Then, make the decision when you are in the new kitchen. No need to rush this decision. Too many regret making it hastily. Good luck!!! Congrats on the new house! Bee

Thank you so much, Lydiasmomma! Yes those metal cabinets with the drainboard sinks are charming. I have to admit that we were pretty hard on the enamel finish though, and the former owners must have been, too. I adored the drainboards, but not trying to keep the sink portion looking nice. Bar Keeper's Friend was the only thing that kept it decent, and even then it seemed tough on it. I about choked when I found out that the sink could have lead in it too. But then I decided we weren't going around licking it, so hey. What I'm really trying to say is, enjoy your new sink! : ) Yes, the exposed beam was absolutely structural. We had to jack up the house after we moved in, and when we did so, we watched the areas where it was pegged together (that had come loose as the house sagged) go back together tightly again. Whoa.

I went with the Bosch line and I am in the final stages of our remodel. I picked up the induction cooktop today and the cabinets get installed starting tomorrow and the rest of appliances by the 9th of Feb. A few things I thought were interesting when I purchased.... Induction - we had gas, but after lurking here for 5+ years, I saw the passion for induction. We purchased a one burner hob and played. Not exactly something equal, but no that you will only get "better" performance from a larger appliance over the hob. I was deadset on the Bosch Benchmark with the bridges, etc. When I actually went to purchase the appliance, the sales person (who has been AWESOME), asked me how many times I actually have used my CI gridle/grill in the past 2 years. That would be maybe 6 times being generous. He asked me if I could turn on two burners (i.e. push the burner button and the setting I want, twice), of course I said yes, and he said let's use the money you would spend on the higher model to upgrade another appliance. Let's go with the lower version of the Induction Cooktop. Which is exactly what I did. We then decided to go with the Steam oven. It will be installed on the 9th, so I don't have any first hand experience, but can't wait to use it. I plan that it will replace our microwave. I have a Plan B, on where to stash a cheap MW, but honestly we use it very little (steam vege, heat water, or reheat food). The steam obviously will do 2 of the 3, and a simple cold/hot water filtration system at the sink replaces the heat water option. My expectation, is for our family of 3, that the steam oven will be my primary oven, but also installing a standard 30" convection oven. I also bought my warming drawer from Craigslist. It was a demo unit. I am putting a drawer front on it, so brand wasn't a big deal, but I saw that in the market there are some that have sides and some that don't have sides. I decided I wanted one without sides. With regards to the fridge, not sure I am much help. We elected to select a 36" fridge (SZ) and a nugget ice maker (Ice-O-Matic) and a hot/cold water dispenser that is filtered. This allows plenty of fridge space and keeps the beverage center away from my prep area. Our freezer space will be in the laundry room,and I think this will work great for our family. Good luck.