I’ve had the same issue of mold growing along the bottom horizontal frame of my shower door frame. The upright vertical frame pieces will rarely get spots of mold “under” the thinner areas of caulk (ie. Toward the edges, not in the thicker transition/corner portion of the caulk line). This drove me crazy as the bottom would mold so much faster. Well, obviously it stays wetter, but what makes it mold sooo much more & faster is that there is mold that has penetrated through AND under the caulk and is actually inside the horizontal rail of door frame. Bleaching NEVER really rids the area of mold under this bottom portion of the frame. Even without caulk, theres only a slight crack between the frame and fiberglass tub. I’ve removed caulk from the inside & outside and squirted bleach cleaner under there from both sides as best I could multiple days in a row then recaulked and still mold would grow. THE MOLD IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE RAIL/FRAME/WALL/TILE (whatever) and working it’s way OUT. It’s possible even condensation may be enough moisture for mold. If I figure out a way to ensure not making a mess, I may spray some foam under the frame to see if that stops it.

Thank you for your responses everyone, all are very helpful. We always use a very nice tablecloth for a large party because that is when we have kids of all ages, older folks, someone who might have had an extra drink or two etc. And with a large crowd in the house who is going to look at the table anyway. The tablecloth goes to dry-cleaners and is then stored untill the next occasion. But you guys are right, for a nicer table I might have to get some padding to put under the tablecloth. For every day use or for a small gathering I want to see the table. Tracie and everyone else with the glass covers, I am with you on that and would love glass but we need a table with leaves to accomodate DH's large family when we need it. That means removing the glass, taking it to another room and then putting it back. I don't think that would work, would it? Does anyone here do it? I am going to look into waterlox very seriously as it sounds like what we might need (mondragon, I love your table, it came our great. I am thinking of something like this but darker) and also will check the Antique Tables Made Daily shop (thanks amberley) and the Cost Plus Market (thanks beschenbach) cawaps, sorry about the acetone accident. johnliu, wow, those are some cool choices, so creative Sweeby, RH has some great things. I really like RH Camden Trestle Table but the larger one is too large and the smaller one doesn't extend. And even that one says "veneers". They do have salvage wood tables but that would be way too rustic for us.

I'm delurking to possibly add some information about your table. I've been contemplating refinishing our Ethan Allen American Impressions Shaker-style dining table, which I believe has a similar if not identical top to yours. The finish is lacquer. Restoring it could be as simple as re-amalgamating by brushing on lacquer thinner to allow the current finish to sort of melt, reflow, and dry. I will probably give it a try if I can determine how to maintain a dust-free environment in this household. Our top is cherry veneer over some other hardwood (common and not a sign of poor quality). I've read that commercial veneers can be extremely thin, like 1/32 inch. You would have to be very, very careful if you didn't want to sand it off. Good luck! Let us know what you do.

So very sorry to hear that your dear mom never saw the completion of your kitchen here on this earth but know that she is happily smiling down on you from heaven. I agree with Bee, your mom will wink at you from time to time. I lost my dearest friend, my mother, nine years ago. I miss her dearly but she still sends me a wink from time to time. Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous. I love your home, it is so very charming. I lam so fond of a one story home especially as I get older. Our main home is two stories and more steps than I care for. Our other home is a one story that I love. Unfortunately hubby has to have garages and has two huge garages at our country home and there is no room for additional garage space in our other house. I will definitely return to this post over and over again for inspiration. I can't imagine a lovelier addition. Best of luck to you and your DH!!!