Rinse aid can (partially) counter-act the problems that all dish washers have with hard water. If you have really soft water, as I do, you can mostly forgo rinse aid and you'll still have excellent results. If rinse aid isn't an option, then what you need is a water softener. A whole-house softener obviously works, but that's an expensive investment. Instead, you could buy a dishwasher that has a small internal softener. I know that this is a pretty common feature on many Miele models. I don't know if there are other manufacturers who do the same. Please note that you will now have to buy salt to recondition the softener every so often. So, you won't completely be able to get away from buying some extra consumables. But presumably, you aren't allergic to regular kitchen salt...

You received several responses on your first post.

I think HGTV should be forced to give up the G in their name. But that's just my opinion. Years ago, there was a series and I tuned in half way into the half hour and they were interviewing Graham Stewart Thomas and it was wonderful. HGTV was in Knoxville at the time and I called to ask when it would be replayed. Finally got through to someone who who knew the show and said HGTV had rights for several more months, but no plans to replay any of them. I flat out begged. It did no good. Someone out there has a huge store of great shows somewhere. I'm not sure what channel I friend of mine watches to see replays of the gentle painter painting as he talks (fluffy clouds, happy trees......) but that channel might need more gentle programming. Gardening might just fit the bill.

A nice conclusion to your long journey CP. And well deserved! "People who build their own home tend to be very courageous. These people are curious about life. They're thinking about what it means to live in a house rather than just buying a commodity and making it work" Tom Kundig