Elmer- I agree with you, but I have also found that some people just aren't comfortable with technology or are afraid of it, and are baffled by what seems straightforward. When my mother can't get a movie to play on the tv, the instructions I've written for her are ignored and she just starts hitting buttons on the remote until it's thoroughly messed up. My mother-in-law could never navigate to the correct folder to find something she downloaded, and thought that she could only get her email on her home computer. No amount of coaching helped with this sort of stuff. Bottom line: I'd never select a Wow computer for myself, but they seem to have their place....

Hi, I downloaded this software from the website listed below to record my albums and tapes to CD, using the computer. It was very easy to use. The program comes with audible instructions and wizards to walk you through it (including which jacks to use on your computer). It will automatically set the record level or you can adjust it however you like. It did not require a pre-amp...just plug in the tape deck to your computer. The turntable may or may not need a pre-amp, but the program will detect it, to let you know.I got the wire to hook it up at Radio Shack for just a few dollars. One end will have the RCA ends for your stereo equipment, and the other end will have the miniature jack for your computer. There was no loss of quality, and I was able to actually get a better sound on some songs with the built in equalizer. Hook the stereo equipment to the computer, put a blank CD-R disc in the drive, and the program will do the rest. Hope this helps. Here is a link that might be useful: Record Albums to CD

Thanks everyone! All of you who said the spacing between the DW and sink is too close, you are right. :-) I stood in front of where I positioned the sink, took out my tape measure, and mimed opening the DW door. I think what happened is I had more space in an earlier iteration but with a blind cabinet in the corner (like today's kitchen has). Then when I put in the corner cabinet/susan instead, I found I had some extra inches on that wall. I must have shifted the DW over next to the corner cabinet thinking 'yay, a wider drawer by the range', and forgot about actually being a person standing there. Hi taximom_co, I haven't ruled out hiring a kitchen designer yet. I believe they add value if you get the right one that meshes with one's style. I've had a hard time finding a real design-skilled KD, who takes the time to understand how I would operate in the space. I've had a few bad encounters over the last year in talking with people from 'design/build' firms, even with the firms that were recommended by friends. Given the beautiful kitchens that I've seen posted on this forum, I know there is talent here and I wanted a "gut check" that my ideas weren't completely off base. I would swear that two of the guys I talked to never cooked a meal in their lives. I had one guy from a 'design/build' firm actually arguing with me over not putting the microwave over the range. (I mean, if he's going to argue with me before I give him any money, and so he's spending time arguing on his dime vs mine, I could only imagine what it would've been like working with him under contract.) cheri127 yes, I love a large sink. In fact, the layout ought to show a single large sink, but either the software didn't have that one or I chose the wrong one. I'll attempt a layout with a corner sink over the weekend and post it to see what you think. Hi buehl, thanks for your comments about the fridge placement--it's is precisely for that "easy access for snackers/don't interfere with the workers" that I'm hoping to achieve. It's good to hear someone has it working in real life. :-)

WOW. I haven't had much time to participate lately at the KT, but I sure wish I'd clicked on this thread earlier. So much "stuff" going on. I'm sorry for everyone who is struggling right now, but I'm grateful you shared because it gives me such perspective. Hugs to you, nan...52 stitches in your forehead? OUCH! I've whined around all week about my trip to the oral surgeon. Nobody at church noticed my mouth last night because of the stupid sty in my left eye. *sigh* I finally graduated from oatmeal (which is all I've eaten since Wednesday) to cereal this morning. I ate with my head tipped sideways and drooled all down my cheek. Be careful what you pray for. I've been blessed with a ton of work lately, although sometimes I just want to shout, "ENOUGH, ALREADY!" :-) Instead, I stay huddled in front of the computer in my office at home hour after hour, getting fatter (literally) by the day. Any spare time is spent worrying about my lifestyle and about dying young and about my parents and about other stuff that seems so insignificant compared to the REAL issues people are facing. Middle-age is making me nuts.