rmkitchen, thanks for those pics of your beautiful WTs! Do you mean 'relaxed' roman shades that pooch out a bit at the bottom in the middle? I think yours are more beautiful, myself. Where did you have them made? So much very useful information in your post. If we ever get roman shades (I'm trying these other ideas first) I'll refer to your discussion of issues around them. Funny, but I've now painted all the trim around windows and doors in the semigloss or satin version of the color of the paint on the wall around them, just to try and minimize the trim! (our house is more modern, though, I think). You could always get a bit of trim and just tack it up there with a few nails to see what you think of it--if you don't like it you could take it down again and fill/paint over the tiny holes... And wow, such good information in the rest of y'all's responses! We didn't put up the film yet--DH put a cat-away spray (one called "Boundary" and one called "Cat-Away") around the slider (and the front door--did I mention that they do it to the front door too? UGH), but I think because of the rain it wore off, and what do we have greeting us when we get within 5' of the door? More pee this morning. UGH again. I'm going to order that predator pee granules today--thanks oceanna! I wonder how long it will last in the rain--but it's definitely worth a try. We'll look into the Cat-stop too--thanks, annz. We'll look into the Cat-stop too. I do know where they come from -- one is from a house that belongs to a couple who inherited it from their grandmother, and they are really *not* as caring about anything as much as most other residents in our neighborhood (yard is an eyesore, etc.). When they moved in they immediately let the cat, who's at least fixed, out all day (and part of the night, judging from seeing him out around 11 p.m.). At first he was nice, sweet, a bit timid--now he's a full-on street-fightin' man, one of the ones who got sprayed with a hose and kept on going. Another one (unfixed) used to be fairly sweet, too, when he had a home to go into (the next door house) at night, but when that family moved out of state, they *left him here* to fend for himself. It's unconscionable what they did to him--they displayed just as much of a community spirit by leaving Blackjack (named by the pirate-loving neighbor boys) out as they did in so many other ways while they were here (as in NONE). The little guy's adapted and has survived for --what, 4 years now?--but he's gotten nasty too. Because we know his story, I just don't have the heart to trap him and take him to the H.S., where he'd probably be pts. Not a desirable adoption candidate. Poor little guy. :( There's a third that we don't know at all. The thing I was thinking about neutering them was that my first cat was neutered, but he still sprayed on things in the house (like a heating vent, very smart...it spread the lovely aroma every time the heat came on) -- it may very well be that with these guys, they're so used to spraying that they will not stop if they're neutered. They'd just have an operation site that might get infected or ripped into before it's healed, which could be really dangerous for them. Maybe I'm not looking at that the right way, I know... Off to order granulated predator pee...

mdrew522, I know I saw it recently, but can't find the location. Magazines are kind of an addiction. I'll keep looking. As typical with BHG publications, this kitchen appears more than once. The first time I saw it was Renovation Style magazine Summer 2010. The article name is Expanded with Imagination. They featured the whole house. It's a saltbox from Nantucket, MA. It's a great issue if you can get your hands on it. Try checking Half Price Books. They typically sell old magazines for a $1. Here's some info: Cabinetry: Custom Scandia Kitchens Inc, Bellingham, MA Cabinet Paint: BM Vanilla Milkshake Island Paint: BM Garden Oasis Marble and Granite Counters: Stone Passions, Bellingham, MA Hanging Light Fixtures: Rejuvenation Range Hood: Best by Broan Refrigerator/Cooktop: Sub-Zero/Wolf Sink Faucet: Perrin & Rowe by Rohl Fabric for Window Seat: Pembroke Cascade Rogers and Goffigon, Ltd Breakfast Table: Walker Creek Furniture, Essex, MA Chairs: Pottery Barn Hammered Sink at Wet Bar: The Water Closet, Nantucket Flooring: Tile Showcase, Watertown, MA

Thanks! We're still in the moving back in stage, and we also don't have a pantry yet. So everything is on the counters. I don't know if you can even see the backsplash anymore! I'll take more photos once things have settled in. (Oh, and I realized after re-reading my post that it sounded like I was only thanking those who assured me things would be well. Poorly written. I meant to thank everyone who responded with other ideas, etc.) About Trikeenan, they did answer their phones, but didn't have tile in stock. I believe they're still in business though I'd definitely talk with them to confirm their current status. .It's so sad the toll the economy is taking on these cool small businesses.

Toronto Veterinarian - We live in Toronto and you are quite correct in that drug prices have increased significantly this year - one of our cats is hyperthyroid and no way can we pill a cat! This means transdermal by way of the ear custom compounded. Of course it is also dated so we cannot buy too much and truthfully we never know how many syringes we are getting because of the demand. We have to start this particular cat on Cartrophen as well. Then there is dental surgery which our younger cat (although a senior) will need. Our kitties will only eat purinaessentials senior cat food - only available at the vet clinic. I have tried over 30 different types of food - some really expensive - nope - I have poached chicken breast for them - nope. After a year you would think that they would be tired of the same food. It is emotional I know but they do have to eat. I am afraid every time I call for food or meds that the clinic will not be able to get them. I just wish I had a Plan B. Re the takeovers by Mars etc. we have gone to our vet clinic for over 40 years. We really like our primary vet (one of the previous owners) and book with her, but in an emergency we would see anyone and let's face she is beyond retirement age, but is a young 70. They sold to a company (not Mars) during the pandemic. They try to not let people know but when you have been a client as long as we have you do notice the difference. Actually our primary vet no longer does surgeries but is everyone's favourite vet. I am thinking of taking the cat who needs a dental to the vet who is employed by Mars no less because she is fabulous - she used to work at our vet clinic. I am very afraid of what the future will hold in terms of Covid and do not want to go to the VEC South and send our cat in alone - right now you don't have to, but in the future I could easily see it. Our now passed dog had to see Dr. Gray, the ophthalmologist for nine years. But I guess it would be Dr. French for a dental at the VEC South unless the vet who is now with the VCA could/would do it. A referral would not be an issue. By the way, I was at a Metro the other day and saw the peanut butter you like - but it was in short supply. I keep an eye out for the Spitz sunflower seeds but so far no luck. I won't forget the name because our dog who died at 17 during the worst of the pandemic was a Spitz! How I miss his double-coated long white fur everywhere.