This was the first and only year I have ever planted watermelon. I must say based on or own opinion and many people who are avid gardeners that the M&S we have been enjoying for 3-4 weeks have been delicious and very well formed. I do remember it seemed they took a cpl weeks after we planted for them to settle in and start their vineing process. Starting from seed my son Luke and I Started 4 plants (2 seperate hills)from seed and by the end of June they had taken all the room I had given them and were growing out of their area. Up the rose trellis and across our concrete patio. I think they would have grown over our home if I and my scissors had not taken action to keep them in the area (10x30). They made great and quite large melons, 38lbs in one case but no smaller than 25lbs. All the fruit, 11 total made it to maturity and were very juicy and sweet. They have vined and bloomed and set fruit again with one growing 3 feet off the ground on our rose trellis ,...need to build a stick platform for it lol. Which brings me to my question. Is thier enough time for them ( 5 more so far) to develop to maturity? And is it common for watermelons to have 2 seperate crops from each plant???? I water them really well until they are fully formed and not getting any larger then I cut the water back to whatever nature will give us......my take on M&S's watermelons.......GREAT!!!!!!....thx ,..timetaplant

In 2001 we tore down the 75 year old house we'd lived in for 25 years and built our forever house. Yeah, right. In '05, together with our two daughters and their families, we bought half a farm in Tennessee . . . planning to all build on it, and have one 15-acre plot for sale. Our former "forever" house sold to the third looker. We rented from them for 9 months and May 1 moved into a rental 3 bedroom townhouse about 7 minutes from the build. Very convenient location . . . but stressful living! NO floor space!! One bedroom is for sleeping, one for office, and the master bedroom and closet is crammed full of art and other things we didn't want in the actual storage unit. In our office, we need those truck back-up beepers on our office chairs or we collide when we both back up at the same time. We had endless troubles and endless outflow of $$ for months. Our Indiana Amish framers came down here and framed the house in a month . . . amazing. Then it sat for 8 solid weeks with nothing happening. Finally we got proactive and are now about ready for insulation. I'm not sure this is fun. The first house was so stressful because I wasn't sure I could pull off getting everything to go together at the end. The house turned out great, so I've had more confidence this time, but again I'm lying awake at night thinking and rethinking decisions. On the plus side, much about the house has turned out perfect and there's a fabulous view from every window. I'll let you know if it was worth it when we move in, assuming I survive.

Apple valley's are 22 and 36 inches and I have about 6 patterns for them in the 22 inch size if any one is interested let me know kislters@papadocs.com

I’d decide on the floors first as they will have the biggest impact/cost, longevity, and also have to work in adjoining rooms. Paint color is a much easier decision and should be based on flooring choice. You can't go wong with a classic herringbone and there are so many options material wise. Would suit the butcher block/stone influence, good in other rooms and will be easy to live with for years to come. BM Van Duesen If you want some pattern, add a backsplash similar to your tile idea below. Will connect well with the butcher block.