Rabbits became a problem for me over the winter (first time since we built here in 2005), so I already have perennials that they like to eat. In March, I started spraying I Must Garden rabbit repellant and it's working quite well. I think it is supposed to be safe for veggies, too. It's made locally here in Chapel Hill, so everyone around here uses it more than any other repellant. The downside of spraying any repellant is that it must be done consistently every 2" of new growth (about twice a month). Cameron

The Lowes people talked me into the kitchen/bath paint for one bath in our previous house, and I absolutely loathed the result. It was VERY shiny (like shinier than some brands' semigloss) and plasticky-looking, not at all what I would have expected from a "satin" finish. I guess if you don't mind a shiny wall it isn't that bad but I'm an eggshell gal and IMO the semigloss level of shine is for trim, not walls. Every tiny irregularity in the wall surface stuck out like a sore thumb, too. Although some people are completely convinced that you need to have a shiny paint in the bathroom for cleanability, that's not the case anymore - there are plenty of washable paints in lower sheen levels, including flat/matte if that's what you like to look at. I've used a good washable eggshell paint in every other bathroom and kitchen we've painted and it has always been just fine. Had we been painting for ourselves instead of for selling, we would have repainted in a less-shiny paint.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. As fori pointed out, a higher level gives a little protection space behind a cooktop. It can also partially block the view of junk on countertops from an eating table beyond the island. If you love having a bar-height eating space then two levels is how you can get it. Personally, I like a single height. This gives you a larger space to lay things out (other than food) that you might be working on. It's great for cooking making/cooling. It invites munchkins to sit on the other side and talk or do homework while you're working in the kitchen. I just find it to be friendlier. The bottom line is, this is going to be pretty personal to you, taking into account who you share your space with and how you use your kitchen. Not to be mean to the guys (because we really did that the other day in the discussion of a previously disinterested husband who suddenly had left-field opinions), but if you're the one mainly in charge of what goes on in the kitchen, then make the plan suit you.

I bought Agra-Life Megamend a couple years ago when I built my raised vegetable beds. I couldn't find kelp in sufficient quantities and being volcanic rock I figured this would have all the minerals. Its a great product. My garden grew like crazy. I was going to buy more but Home Depot is out of stock right now 5-7-22 and I have not been able to find it at Tractor Supply, Farm and Home, Rural King, Ace Hdwr, or True Value Hdwr. This is the manufacturer https://www.agramarketing.com/agra-life-products/bulk-soil-amendments I emailed them asking where I can get it. I'm in IL near St. Louis.