cannot speak to heat tolerant conifers sad to say but i thought i would speak up for the surprising adaptability of Mexican conifers (Mexican oaks as well) to seemingly very different climates and localities. i have had gratifying success growing a number of species (likely mostly from areas with a summer rainfall maximum) here in the summer cool and dry (winter very wet) pacific north west (oregon coast)---including pinus montizumae, p. patula, p. pseudostrobus, p. estevezii,, cupressus montana, c. guadalupensis, and podocarpus matudae---.wonderful trees that once established seem to do well with little or no additional care.

LindaC, Some of my dishes I have never used before, and most have rarely been used. One set belonged to my Grandmother and were going to be thrown away before I decided I would take them. She had many sets of dishes and everyone had already claimed their favorites before me. I got the ones with magnolias (Mississipi state flower) on them. They are pretty in a very old-fashioned sort of way. My style is very contemporary, so I never use them but I remember eating on them at my Grandmother's when I was growing up. Another set of dishes my Godfather got for me at a pawn shop. They must have been custom made for someone, but they were perfect for my family. My DH and I are both pharmacists, and my DH also has another career. This set is ivory with a gold band, and gold symbols of both of these professions are in the center of the dishes. These dishes are very unique and great for professional parties. Before I got married I had already started a "hope chest" of Lenox China, but it was not sold at the stores in the home town of my DH, so I picked out another set so that people from his side would have something to buy for us. I have the set of Lenox dishes (which happen to be the same pattern as my MIL had when she got married), and the Noritake that was sold in DH's hometown. Then a couple of years ago DH got tired of me complaining about how I wish I had some really cool square and contemporary dishes... so he bought me a set for our anniversary. But, like I said, my favorite is the inexpensive Corelle that I bought myself. I use it everyday.

I represent several furniture factories. Table height ranges from 29 to 30". You would not likely notice the difference between the 2 heights. If so, you could add adjustable glides to the bottom of the legs. I have been selling furniture for over 40 years and the only complaint about table height I can recall was when one factory had one that was 31" high.

If the tile top is meeting your needs, is there a specific reason why you want to changes it? I'm asking because last year we bought THREE different table sets in various price ranges and regardless of price, all three were junk; especially when compared to the 20 year old 200.00 farm table we already had. We ended up returning each and every set we tried and I decided to refinish the table I already had (and loved) instead. As much as I enjoy getting new furniture, I really couldn't be happier with the choice. We had used the table as a workbench for years while working on the house. It was in pretty bad shape and had definitely seen better days. The chairs are new as the originals to the set were long gone but there are lots of chairs to choose from in a really affordable price range. Sanding was a challenge but all in all, it wasn't as hard as one might think. If this appeals to you, post a picture and maybe we can help you with suggestions. I post these pics a lot so sorry if it's a repeat for you but it does show you the potential your table might have. We saved a lot of money doing it this way too. The chairs were about 300.00 and the stain/varnish was under 50.00. Before: And now: