I live mid Michigan. Average last frost date 5/20, first frost date 9/18. Spring winds 20-30 mph I'm not trying to be cheap but my finances barely cover the cost of living so I don't have a lot to spend on extras. Since I can't afford a real greenhouse, or the materials to build good one, I have to try and make do with what I have available. The whole point and purpose of this greenhouse is to be able to start my plants earlier. The last few years we've had cold springs and early frosts yet I can't start my plants in the house because I don't have any room. If I plant from seed after the last frost date I barely have time to collect a good harvest before the first frosts start killing everything off. Row covers don't seem to work too good for some reason . . . The tomato plants are there as an experiment to see how the greenhouse is fairing. (dirt and rocks are free for me) I figure if I can keep the plants alive through the end of October I'll have done okay. If I can make it heat efficient enough that they actually flower, or better yet, produce one or two tomatoes, then I'll know I succeeded in making a working greenhouse. If so I'll be getting leafy greens, peas, and maybe some herb seeds for next fall. Irregardless I won't be utilizing it once winter is in full swing. The "foil" is actually on the North and lower West walls. The picture was taken from the SE corner looking NW. The pictures only show one, but there are four 25 gal barrels of water in addition to the big stock tank. The lighting is an extra luxury thanks to an estate sale; everything I need for 4 lights for $15. Sockets, electric boxes, wire, etc. These are for a seed starter box I'm putting in the corner by the big stock tank. The bulbs I got for $1.60 each at 1000bulbs.com. I do have a little extra plastic left, it was the one thing I saved up for. If I double layered the walls and roof would that block too much light? Or maybe I could just drape it over the plants like row covers at night for extra protection. In any event, its a work in progress and an experiment on the whole so I do appreciate any ideas and comments from those with experience!

thanks! Jenanla - I thought that Waterlox wasn't considered a good idea if chopping on the counter? Maybe, though, I could apply it around the sink/faucet alone (if it can go over previously oiled surfaces....) Kateskouros - the pendants are from Home Depot! I really, really like them - shiny, but practical as the glass cylinder can be cleaned somewhat easily. I think that their are made by Bazz (?) And since they are transparent, they don't block views and don't feel heavy. Redroze - it is rather freshly oiled, as IKEA suggests a rather heavy maintenance schedule for the first two months. Now, after seeing how happy wood can be, I feel that I ought to appologize to my other rather neglected cutting boards. What I especially love about mineral oil is that it isn't combustible. I don't care what anyway says, chopping on a surface where the rags used to apply the product cannot be put into the dryer and are spontaneously combustible, seems rather unappetizing to me. I did find that the oil raised the grain, so I knocked it down with a super fine sanding block, and it is silky again. The first night that we had it, I put a hot pizza (on carboard) on it and found that it raised the grain oddly. but I oiled it, sanded it, seems fine. I think that it will take some getting used to, chopping/cutting on the counter. I've been so used to NOT doing that, all these years :)

Rosegarden1 - yes! I didn't, but my husband did. They were great! susied3 - We didn't order the Boos from ebay - I don't remember seeing the size we needed. I do know that we ordered from whoever offered the best price + shipping :) The gallery wall was an idea I got from Pinterest. My husband was bummed that the giant stainless fridge doors weren't magnetic, while I was secretly relieved! It's the one space in the kitchen that's never cluttered. I picked up open backed frames at Michael's (on sale, of course) and tacked the back side of the binder clips to the back side of the frame, and then mounted the frames. The clips allow us to rotate out the art until I can file it. The door is something we picked up at a local shop already done. What a fun way to showcase your grandchildrens' art! The spice pullouts fronts are 5 3/4", the pullouts themselves are 5". The total island is 10'9"x4'2". With the wide legs, we had to find narrow counter stools, though I wouldn't have gone any wider because it's a reach for my short arms to wipe the counter now. Beekeeper I know exactly what you mean about the decision fatigue of building. My husband and I have both commented that we "eased into building" because the walls were in place. But it is really hard to enjoy the process when there are so many decisions to make. i.e. Doorknobs... something that would be fun to research on it's own. Pile it in with 600 other design decisions like closet lights, stair rails, light switches, outlets, and stinking drain hardware and it's exhausting. Godspeed on your new home!!!

WHOA, igloo, what progress and what beauty!! So sorry to have missed all of this - haven't been on in ages as it's summer travel time here. When we're home, I'm up early (4:30) and out to the river to row, then it's home for laundry and repacking to head out on some trip again. As always, I'm thrilled to hear that you are doing better and that things in the house are moving along. Keep up the rehab - I spent 6 mos, 3x week last year in PT for my knees and now I'm better than I've ever been :-) I firmly believe that "babysitting" job sites is the ONLY way to go - after all of our builds and remodels, I am certain the best progress happens when they know I'm going to be "visiting" them a few times a day. I'm sure that with a wink and a smile from you, things are just clipping along! As everyone has stated, the rug is fab and the granite is gorgeous - for some reason, I just keep looking at the edges...I love it when the "pattern" of the stone gives such a beautiful edge-face to the counters. You've got me very intrigued w/ the mstr bath and closet - that is what's left in our abode to "update" and I'm holding off until I can do it right. I'm going to be following yours closely! I second the suggestions that you CRATE Killer. Our little boy is now 8 mos and over 80lbs and he LOVES his crate - potty training was a snap (at all costs, they will avoid messing their den) and when he was younger and I needed "me" time, it was the safest place for him to hang out. Even now, he hears my keys jingle and comes barreling in with a "mom, can I come too?"-look and if I shake my head, he just turns and happily heads into his crate. Any updates on the possible moving? Did the DUH-Lute house ever get on the market (at a *realistic* price)? Sending you many good thoughts and continued prayers... - Kristin