Melissa, I acquired WWT in the spring of 08. it's doing fine. no frost dieback of which I have a few that got it. I was thinking because of the white that it would be suseptipal to the cold. average growth rate. I bought it to do some hybrid crosses with it. I hope it blooms this year. it starts going green in June for me. it does stand out right now among the others, because of the contrast. I bought mine from Naylor Creek at a open house. it wasn't in the 08 catalog. I can look it up in my Hosta Finder if you like. Jim

I read your blog this morning and have been thinking about your dilemma. I thought about it in the shower- I have the Oceanside Sandstone #005 Iridescent in my bathroom which similar to the one you called "funky". I really love that tile but it may be too much in your kitchen (although I think it would compliment your floor quite well). My favorite for your kitchen is the Veil. The photo on your blog does not do it justice. It's very beautiful, timeless and definitely does not look harlequin. To me harlequin would be black and white diamond shaped tiles. I think the Veil would allow you to accent your kitchen with any colors you liked and paint the walls whatever you wanted. It would not limit you like colored tiles could. It will not call more attention to your floor and will look good with it. I think Veil is the tile shown on Kraftmaid's home page. Here is a link that might be useful: Veil tile

Awwwh, how sweet! You're a nice mommy for taking him swimming. I'm surrounded by water yet my dog won't go in. He doesn't like to get his paws wet.

I've been up there 3 times this year. I was wanting to go again so might use this as an excuse. I usually do not like background music in nature films but it works so well in those. Still watching the track. It aims here, then south of here, then here again. The Euro(?) model shows it turning and skimming up the coast just off shore. Not quite making landfall. I'm not counting on that but it would help. https://www.windy.com/?29.793,-77.915,6 (clicking play shows the possible path) Of course as I'm sure you know, tomorrow might show something completely different. I won't risk my life in a 4 or 5. A 3 I may or may not leave. A 1 or 2, I'll likely stay. Of course the uncertainty is an added push. Especially since I'm an Ohio transplant and haven't seen a truly bad hurricane.