Crenda I didn't think they flower -jk- I got mine in Feb. 2012 & no sign of bloom yet. But it is growing well (considering it is in pot only, with short Canadian summer), I may put it into hanging pot since it is so sprawly. Sun & less water it get that darker color. I don't mind - do you? Rina

(Had to scroll back to find the "nude dude". I like 'em.) I'm not a minimalist so all the "stuff" I would find interesting to visit. I'm not a fan of red rooms but so many over stuffed rooms I've seen pictures of are red so maybe that's part of the formula? The massive numbers of pillows on the sofas drive me nuts! I can imagine sitting down (daintily) and having them fall over my shoulders onto the floor, knocking the snifter of cognac out of my hand on the way down. Damage to expensive carpets be damned - I hate to waste cognac!

I was thinking about marcolo, too. :) I didn't look at the week-end house link until this morning. Oh, my! I would cook on a hotplate, with an igloo cooler, during the week, just knowing I could escape to that house at week's end. One of my sisters does the same to be near her counseling practice in a large city, a couple of hours' drive from her home. She rents a tiny apartment, where she stays during the work week, but on Thursday evening she returns to her nice house and quiet village.

From what I understand, Viking used to make great appliances a long time ago. Is there a reason you don't want to keep your old refrigerator? The Subzero is beautiful if price is no object and if you are very fastidious, but I would keep the Viking if it is in good condition. Pairing a ductless ventilation unit with a 48" gas range is actually dangerous. There is a reason these vents are pictured with induction cooktops. Why do you need a ductless vent hood? Is it simply aesthetics? If so, I would recommend swapping the range top for a large induction cooktop. Especially if you aren't an experienced cook (the range top-ventilation paring you proposed is a big clue), you'll be happier with the ease of use of an induction cooktop. Plus, they look really sleek if you get them built into the counter if it's a specific look you are coveting.