Better picture posted in another post.

Your garden looks great and your pics are beautiful, but perhaps you could start posting these pic threads in the gallery? This is the exact reason we have a gallery. That way the discussions side doesn't get cluttered up with picture postings. Plus, I think it's easier having all the picture threads in one place.

Good luck, Lavender! I helped my Mom move from a large house to a small apartment last year, and watching her get rid of a LOT of stuff inspired me to do the same at my house (oh, and I had to make room for some things she gave me...) A lot of what I got rid of was junk. Keeping a cage, because my boys loved their pet rats, and maybe we'll get another one some day? Nope, we can buy a new cage if that happens (fat chance). I have cabinets in the laundry room that were black holes. I emptied them completely - and found quarts of paint that were decades old. Those walls have been painted over twice since then! Cleaning out those cabinets gave me space for things I need to keep - and now there's room to find those things! I'm sure you've heard all the tricks for purging closets, like put all the hangers in backwards, then turn it around when you use it. After X months, anything still on a backwards hanger goes out the door. Anything that doesn't fit is gone. And if you get rid of an outfit that had shoes to go with it - the shoes can go too. I completely agree with Lucille - if you give things to family or friends, or donate them where you know they will be used, it's a lot easier to part with things. And getting things out of the house (like in the back seat of the car, to go to Goodwill) helps too. Boxes from liquor stores make great packing boxes - sturdy, but not too big. Have you posted in the "organizing the home" forum? There is a nice bunch of cheerleaders over there who will help you celebrate your accomplishments (and sympathize with procrastination). Ann

Thanks, I am excited about how it looks since I was so nervous it would be too much that I almost had them install it as an accent behind the bar area which meant it would have to be made into a long pattern. I really wanted my island slab in Before I decided about putting it behind my cooktop. 'twas not to be with the crazy timing of my workers; so I took a deep breath and said ,"go for it"! I'm now basically wiped out with all the decisions. I am really on my own with all of these decisions since my DH has abdicated any responsibility ( except for the all important money aspect). He gave me a good budget if it only covered the kitchen but somehow it needs to cover a face lift of most of the house, including ALL of the flooring. I hired a KD for 5 hours as a sounding board for my vision of my kitchen. she gave me a few sketches with no dimensions. Beyond that, she's been available by text.... Hoping we'll be finished with the kitchen next week. My DH has been awesome and uncomplaining throughout. I guess I am one lucky girl. It's been sort of a dream to finally try out all of these ideas floating around in my head for the past 12 years in a kitchen I never liked. Hope it turns out . A fun adventure that I am so enjoying sharing and learning from all the GWers here. Thanks! . Heres Another shot. The mullions above will have antiqued mirrors.... No wonder I have been afraid to post photos. There's a lot of "clowns in my kitchen" And i hate clowns! But I love beautiful things that appeal to my eye.