Along with using plant markers, which I push in deep to keep from fading, I also use a garden diagram. I sketch in a space for each plant, larger for those that need root room, then number it. I have a key list of plants with their numbers. Then I also do one that is numbered , but also has a description of the plant/flower including the name of the person/store/company I got it from and any particular notes a trader gave me. I use a binder with dividers and clear front and back pockets. The clear pockets have the diagrams of my yards including each bed (these are done with just plain old graph paper, in pencil for the plant spots, the permanent stuff is done in ink). Just to give me an overall quick look. Inside the binder there's a larger, stiffer piece of graphed poster board (found these at Wal-Mart with the poster boards, they're used to put together a well spaced and balanced presentation) These have individual beds in larger detail. These fold in half and with the aid of a hole punch fit into the binder. On the back is a description of each bed and it's name so I can find the right one at a glance. Then I can flip open the edge without the holes and use the diagram without needing to remove it from the binder. In another section of the binder is a copy of my trade/swap log to help me remember what I got from whom. This includes details like names/store/catalog, GW IDS, addresses, agreed seeds/plants/cuttings, when I mailed out, when I received, what was received, including any extras :) Another section has my garden journal. Details on what I've planted, seeds, plants, how well it's done, weather notes, etc. Another section is reserved for photos of my beds. Sometimes I think taking the pictures and being able to look them over gives me a better feel sometimes for what works well together than standing right in front of it looking! Another section has ideas for new beds or plants. It's my "corkboard" for brainstorming or just things that I don't want to forget. Everything from random thoughts about something to check into to suggestions and advice received here. Things like responses to my tomato and amending questions, things that others have asked about and the suggestions given to them :) This section is full of tabbed things to where I can keep it somewhat organized. Yeah, I know, probably lots more info than you wanted, but I'm rather OCD, and this all helps keep me organized and on track and to not feel overwhelmed when I'm planning/undertaking a large project. I also have an area that I use for my seedlings in case my markers disappear from them. I have an area that we're going to use for wintersowing sketched out as well. Each winter sow pot will be marked in similar to my yard plans with numbers to help me in the event my markings fade off of the containers. I also keep a copy of all of this on a CD in case the originals are ever damaged. LOL, you'd think with all this, I'd manage to get my trade list updated, wouldn't you? That's coming, I promise! I just got way behind on that with the wedding and haven't been able to catch up yet! Kathy

I put the photos I took up in an album on Flickr. Link is below. I think gardeners are more aware of the dependency of all creatures on one another, and it comes naturally. It strikes my heart to see anything, or any ONE for that matter, suffering. And, Sandy, just so you know the background of the name I use for you, it is the name I once wanted to name a beach-side sandwich shop, when I thought I could open one down in Panama City Florida. The Sandy Witch, is what I wanted to name it. Very fond memories of the term. And, you being named Sandy, and using Mosswitch as a screen name, I am pleased to dub thee "Sandywitch." It seems to fall together IMHO. And I still think it would make a nice name for a sandwich shop, don't you? :) Anyway, here's the link to the photo album on Flickr. And one of the photos for those who do not click on links. Note that s/he is about half a brick in size. Here is a link that might be useful: Turtle Oasis

I was out gathering samples today for prospective kitchen reno to a friends 50's era rowhouse. This is it: This where we think we are headed: This kitchen is about 9" on the window wall and 11" on the entrance wall. The interior door goes to the basement. The room is smaller than yours and you enter from the dining room (which is where the back door is) so no eat in requirements. I would think about pulling the fridge off of the "L" and building it in in the corner where the hutch is and then if you have enough space running a banquette between the enclosed side of the fridge and the wall with door to the patio on it. This set up uses the width of the room for the table and chairs and increases the counterspace and storage on the "L". Don't know about in your case but in the house I'm working on the neighbourhood has some family appeal and it is a first tme buyers area. I love small appliances but for first time buyers coming from apartments you want to be careful about using them as they sort of shout: Hey this house is small (they are often expensive as well). Good luck! I recommend using a for free layout software or graph paper and just start moving stuff around and see what you come up with.

If any permits are pulled for your Project, you may need one or more inspections. Note also that if you do need inspections, Code changes from time to time and you may or may not meet current Code with your "new" kitchen. For example, if you have a range next to a doorway with no space (for safety) b/w it and the doorway, you may have to change that since Code in most places now says that you must have a certain amount of space b/w the range & doorway. (That "certain amount" may vary from municipality to municipality.) As another example, all kitchen outlets must now be on a GFI circuit of some sort (either all outlets GFI or the one at the "beginning" of the circuit must be a GFI.) All kitchen outlets must also be "tamper resistant". No, I don't know all the details of any of these, but they are examples to show you things you may run into. If you have not yet received all your cabinets & appliances, then you have no guarantee they will be on time...any delays there may delay your Project. Expect the unexpected! It's a rare remodel that doesn't encounter at least one "surprise"...that's why you should always include in your budget a line item equal to 10% to 15% of your overall remodel cost...it's those "surprises" that are often "budget busters" and/or "schedule breakers"! Good luck!