Thanks for all your help. I´m very glad to see that the muscari might be OK and I will just hope the best for the freesias. I know that our climate here is similar to South Africa (though far less rain in the winter). I looked at the South African bulb information and it confirmed my fears; if I want my bulbs to return the following year, I will have to plant them somewhere where they don´t receive any water. I had thought I was being clever by planting bulbs for the spring and then having a few annuals and perennials take over in the hot months. But of curse, these need watering. Think I will take my bulbs out of where they are and hope they do better in a different spot (though my garden isn´t that big) - a spot which will just have to remain bare all summer (?) I love crinums and I´ve always wanted tuberose (never found either of these here but will try to get some in UK when next over). Thanks again for your help, everyone. Much appreciated. Almeria

Look at Bmorepanic's layout on Fri, Mar 12, 10 at 12:09; it has a similar layout for a range on that wall...only with more work room. You really need more than 12" next to a doorway for safety's sake. While 12" may be Code, that doesn't mean it's best, especially if you have/are planning to have gas. There also isn't much workspace room overall next to it...I know it's better than what she currently has, but that doesn't mean it's enough or that it can't be even better. Another consideration...be sure to have at least a 24" overhang if you have the range (or cooktop) in that location. I do not recommend seating behind a range or cooktop, but if you insist on doing it, at least make it safe! Venting will also be an issue...for truly adequate venting, you need an overhead range hood...in this case, you'll need an "island range hood". [The majority of downdrafts are ineffective. Telescoping downdrafts are better, but then you have a vent in front of anyone sitting there and it's only effective for items right next to it and shorter than it by several inches.] About island range hoods... First, island range hood's are more expensive than wall hoods. Second, an island hood will hang down in front of anyone working or sitting there, will block the view to/from the DR & Kitchen, and will put the noise of a hood in your visitor's ears...and if you put in a raised bar, it's even worse b/c your visitors will be sitting another 6" higher and closer to the hood. Third, island range hoods need to be larger and/or stronger than wall hoods b/c of the increased air currents...meaning more $$ and more noise. Noise can be cut down by getting an even stronger hood and running it on low, but that adds yet more $$$ Fourth, that hood hanging down will most likely be a "commanding presence"...unless you get a low profile hood (meaning a thin hood) and/or glass (which means cleaning it often)...but those hoods have even less capture capability b/c there's no place to trap smoke/steam/grease/odors/etc. for venting out...so that means an even larger hood and more power and probably mounting even lower. IMHO, it's made even worse b/c the area is so small...a large hood will overwhelm that small peninsula. There are three main differences b/w BmorePanic's layout & JohnLiu's: Seating on the DR side of the kitchen. Is there room to take 24" of counter + seating space out of it? I can't tell from the pictures. Refrigerator location...I like John's location better b/c it puts it on the periphery and allows outsiders to get to it w/o interfering with those working in the kitchen DW location....I like Bmorepanic's better...it keeps the DW out of the Cooking Zone and out of the best Prep Zone...also across from the range. Why is that the best Prep Zone? Two reasons: (1) Because it's directly across from the range so going back & forth is easier and (2) It's out of traffic coming in/out of the kitchen. ...

Leslie, you're funny! I tried a search, and the older posts are still there. We just can't see them from the home page now. I hope this is fixed soon.

Wow, that sounds like a pain. We haven't experienced anything like that. One time the ice maker stopped producing ice, but a quick Google search revealed the problem and the fix. One of the water hoses in the ice maker compartment had water freeze in it. I just hit it with the blow dryer and that took care of it. No problems since. Other than the door problem, the fridge has been great!