Beth, I was talking with my sister this morning and trying to talk her into taking my garden books. I have dozens of hardcovers and a few paper backed. I would be interested in hearing more details too! Lisa

It's also in a bankrupt subdivision about an hour from the beach. There is literally nothing out there where it is except a grocery store, a Target, Old Navy, Olive Garden, etc. I couldn't understand that business in the description of the mud room about using it to clean off sand from the beach. You'd have to work pretty hard to still have any left on you after a drive that long. Believe me, although I agree with your comments, the decor is one of the *best* points about it. (Note the piles of dirt from abandoned building pads on the neighboring lots.)

House Hunters International, yes, I love seeing the ones that are not tropical. We are amazed at how much you can get a house for in a tiny little town in Italy... we're like "We could afford that!!" Course the ones we could afford need major work, LOL. Agree with everyone on Color Splash Miami... if I could call him on the phone, I'd beg him to go back to San Francisco. I love David Bromstad, but can't stand his show anymore. His helpers have zero personality. While I think it's cool that his design assistant is someone who I think just got her degree, so she's kind of an intern, I really miss Ian and Danielle. The two women on this show don't do anything that requires skill, all they do is shop and answer cell phone calls that say stuff is not coming/going to be late. And the two men who actually have skill have no personality and rarely talk to the camera.

I finally watched it yesterday....liked some things, didn't like others. I actually liked the orange and thought it was a nice departure from the typical blue, aqua, pale greens that are typical beach house colors. All the "stuff"...yes, too much, especially for a beach rental. Would he even know if someone walked off with some of it? I didnt mind the bench seating in the DR....it is supposed to be casual and I think of kids sitting there mostly...but agree, not conducive to a leisurely meal or sipping wine. DH has often taken calls while on vacation, so the desk in the BR did not bother me...I guess if you have to work...a glimpse of the beach wouldnt be bad. And that is what it was...a glimpse. For that $$, I would want a house right on the beach and not have to look out onto rooftops with the beach behind them. Anyplace on that first level to stow all the beach gear....boogie boards, towels, chairs, etc.? Lugging groceries, etc... up to the second floor....uh, no. Liked the all white color scheme...but those dark floors will show every speck...not a good thing, especially in a rental. Didn't really show the kitchen at all...why was that skipped over? All the white tile and grout....super hard to keep up. From what I could tell..the pool almost looked too small to be worth all the trouble. Was really surprised he wanted the landscaping all lined up like an English estate....especially at a casual beach house! A natural landscape can be orderly too. Cracks me up that he will rent it out...he definitely seems like the type that would not want strangers sleeping in his house.