central cali, Here in north georgia we have been in a terrible drought for some years now, as I've heard that most of cali is. I totally agree with you say "Rain really makes a world of difference - especially since we get very little of it", because it's the same over here. If you want a lilac, I happily recommend Lavender Lady. I tried growing an old french lilac I got at walmart last year, and it bloomed... then completely declined. It's flowers were tiny, whereas Lavender Lady had huge flowers of stronger fragrance. (The only thing I must say is that although LL had a stronger scent, the french one had a sweeter, more refined perfume). This year I planted a Blue Skies lilac. As for peonies, I have had the best success with Sarah Bernhardt. However, I would recommend that you spend your money on a pack of peony poppy seeds instead. They may not be as large or have the fragrance, but let me tell you that they are lovely, have a longer bloom season (if planted while it's cool), and I really don't like the scent of my peonies. To me, it is like a combination of a rose and carnation at first, then I notice a disturbing under scent of medicine, and something unpleasant I don't know of. If you want a better perfume, I recommend a good old rose and/or carnation because at least you will enjoy a pure aroma.

Your pictures look just fine on my end. I am not sure what you are seeing, but everything looks relatively normal. Of the ones you posted, I also have Gebruder Grimm, Ice Cream/Memoire, Ivory Grand, and Old Port. I like to look at Exciting because I am curious about it. I used to have Tequila Sunrise at my other house, but I found it to be a real blackspot magnet. Thanks, as always, for posting.

Blues and browns together seem very popular right now. Showcase homes last year in our area had a lot of that color scheme ($500k homes). If you like the thought of an accent wall, how about blue walls with one as accent in brown? I ditto the vote on Nadine's 5th one in her second set of mockups. You could add some blue accessories to the bed....some pillows that had both blue and brown and tan in them. I would never have liked that color combo except that I saw it done somewhere (2 were in bedrooms) in 3 of the 6 homes in our Tour of Homes last year that were just gorgeous. Think how sharp and crisp tan khakis look with a blue button-down shirt.....same with your bedding (the pants) and walls (the shirt). Tabby

Oh thank you everyone for your kind/generous words. I didnâÂÂt mean to tease with just 1 picture, but I am sure that I would have gotten more posts asking for at least 1 picture. ï The picture was taken by my friendâÂÂs phone for whom I was making dinner (shrimp/marinated artichoke hearts in a garlic/capers/white wine sauce). Enjoying the nice company and good glass of wine = nice big smile. Dbfirewife/taggie/aktillery/kksmama/deedles: about the sconces: - need to give AOKATâÂÂs a shoutout for the inspiration from her beautiful kitchen) - Ugh: Thank you, and yes, I do love those sconces âÂÂlike those lights were created specifically for your counters and cabinetsâÂÂ. BUT I will never get them again. The quality control of these sconces was horrific. I had to go through 9-10 sconces to get these 4 because they were so incredibly flawed. I think that is why they no longer sell them. LampsPlus were ok w/ the returns etc. Williamsem: Handle in the front = much less splashing. âÂÂmakes me smile and think of GWâÂÂ: oh, I have so many things to be thankful for with Gardenweb. Everyone has been AMAZING!!! Olbat2be: ThatâÂÂs why: YES, my offer for a tour for anyone nearby is definitely open. I will PM you and we can set it up. âÂÂfriend had no interest in the tourâÂÂ: FUNNY! I get rather taken back also when my friends (who have not seen the kitchen) just say âÂÂNiceâÂÂ, and then move onto enjoying their drink or sitting down and start yakking about a blouse they just purchased or something. Like that blouse is important?!?! What about my use of my 4â filler (for my cutting board)? Or what about how my beloved Vitamix easily slides away when IâÂÂm done w/ it? DonâÂÂt you want to know about my spice jars? HAHHAHHAHAAA. Bookworm: pulls = Ikea Varde, w/out the little round âÂÂrosetteâÂÂ. I wanted something simple, quiet, and doesnâÂÂt catch on my clothing, so these were perfect for us. Now finding the right crystal knobs for my only 5 upper cabinets are another thing. Oy! Again, thank you very much: for the compliments and mostly, for all your help in so many things. IâÂÂve learned so much from GW. My kitchen would have never been as fantastic if it werenâÂÂt for GW. I often feel bad for people who discovered GW late in their renovation/design process. IâÂÂve been on GW for ?7years, so when we started down this road for this kitchen/renovation, I was ready. I had my tools/know-how ready to go. And if I didnâÂÂt, I knew where to ask! ï Amanda