Probably not $1199 worth of wow. Certainly the faster processor and more memory will allow the machine to process the information it gets from the Internet faster but the limiting factor is still your Internet connection. Imagine having a big, powerful engine in your car and then feeding it gasoline with a eye dropper. That's pretty much what's happening with your computer. On the other hand, Macs are really nice. :-)

Your kitchen plan with its L-shaped island looks like it has less counter and storage space than your existing kitchen. Add in a coffee maker and toaster on the counters and you have even less counter space. This is not normally the direction people move in a remodel. I'm guessing the reason for opening up the perimeter L is to gain direct access from range to table. Is this a high priority for you? Tell us what you hope to gain. It's pretty hard to offer suggestions without knowing what you're flexible on and what are "must haves." That said, if you're open to lay-out suggestions, here's one for you: I ditched the L-island and went with a large (roughly 6x8), curved, one-level island with the sink facing your lovely views and a nice long stretch of counter across from the range for prep, in addition to the prep space on either side of the range. You could also use that stretch of island counter for party spreads. At the top of the island facing the DR is a cabinet (approx 18" judging by the size of the DW) facing the DR. Tucked under the island in front of the stools are cabinets for storage of items seldom used. I didn't add island seating at the top of the island because I thought this would crowd your DR table. Nice photo, Co-Co! I would be tempted to create a "wall of tall" (what you see in the photo above) and build in lots of great storage on that wall but only if I gained counter space elsewhere. As for putting a wine rack above the MW, Coll_3, you could but it would be best for short-term storage only since wine stores best when kept away from heat - both MW and fridge create heat. You may get more function out of your pantry closet (I'm assuming it's just a closet with shelves) by switching to a pantry cabinet with pull-outs or at least a better organizational system in the closet.

The 201-2 doesn't have a belt. It is direct drive. (That's one of the things that makes it so unique.) However, it probably needs cleaning and oiling. Chances are it sat a long time. Mine really needs a good cleaning. That's what I'm going to do over the fourth. Here's a good tutorial on cleaning a machine here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bidpJsAzc2A&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL It's an antique machine, but the principals are the same. If yo don't have the manual, you can download it from Singer here: http://www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals. The manual will tell you all the oiling points. I plugged mine in on Sunday and it just humms! It runs so smoothly that you can barely hear it. They say it's the Rolls Royce of old Singer machines and I believe it. I'm really excited to have this machine! It sounds like you are as impressed as I've been. Edit: Here's someone else bragging on a 201-2 http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/can-i-just-brag-little-t279776.html bkay

Great photos of great hostas! Angel Falls is to die for! Just bought a Deep Blue Sea so it was nice to see what I hope mine will look like.